The Christchurch Civic Creche Case


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The Press
March 17 1998

Police revisit former Chch civic crèche
by Elinore Wellwood

Police have revisited the former Christchurch civic creche where convicted sex abuser Peter Ellis worked.

Ellis, who maintains his innocence, last week declined to appear before a parole board for his first chance at freedom in four years and nine months. He will hear this week if he will get parole.

A senior police legal adviser visited Christchurch on behalf of the Police Complaints Authority.

The Press understands four people, including Chief Inspector John Crookston and Ellis supporter Winston Wealleans, visited the former Christchurch civic creche, in a Cranmer Square building, three weeks ago.

Mr Wealleans said their visit was the first time police had shown any interest in the concerns of Ellis's supporters.

He said the police officers came to listen to issues they wanted to raise.

Mr Wealleans and others had serious concerns about how the police investigated the alleged sex abuse at the creche and other addresses.

He said it was impossible for some of the allegations to have taken place in the creche space. His group was also concerned about the conduct of individuals, government departments, and agencies. ``(The police) came here for other issues to do with the case.''

Chief Inspector John Crookston said a complaint had not been laid with the Police Complaints Authority, but it was possible one would be made.

He said concerns had been raised about the police investigation that led to Ellis's convictions.

Chief Inspector Crookston said he had been in Christchurch to speak to Ellis's supporters. He would give his report to the Police Commissioner.

Referring to Ellis's application to Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boyes, he said: ``I would say that will be the key to it in the finish.''

He refused further comment. ``Anything to do with the Police Complaints Authority is for their information alone.''