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The Christchurch Civic
Creche Case |
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Police have revisited the former
Christchurch civic creche that convicted sex abuser Peter Ellis worked in. Ellis, who maintains his
innocence, declined to appear last week 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. Chief Inspector John Crookston and
Ellis supporter Winston Wealleans were among those who visited the former
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
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 crèche 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." Mr Crookston said a complaint had
not been laid with the 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. Mr 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 Boys, 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." -- |
