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Otago Daily Times
Friday, 26-February 1999
Ellis pardon decision soon
NZPA
Wellington: A decision from the Governor-General on a pardon for
convicted paedophile Peter Ellis is likely before the Court of Appeal hears
his case in May.
Justice Minister Tony Ryall said yesterday he was
still considering a petition seeking a pardon for Ellis, but expected to
provide formal advice to the Governor-General before Ellis' appeal, set down
for May 31.
Ellis (40) is serving a 10-year sentence on charges of abusing children at
the Christchurch Civic Creche. He has maintained
his innocence throughout.
His first appeal was dismissed in 1994 but he gained a rare second appeal
after a petition to the Governor-General resulted in a referral to the Court
of Appeal.
Ellis is due to go before the Parole Board early next month. He turned down
the chance to appear at a parole hearing in March last year because to accept
the conditions of parole would have implied guilt.
Mr Ryall said the second petition from Ellis
canvassed many of the issues in the first and also raised a number of new and
complex issues.
There were five petitions before the Governor-General including one from
convicted murderer David Bain.
"While it would be unfair to give special priority to the petition by Mr
Ellis, the Government is aware of the importance of completing any
investigations before the Court of Appeal hearing in May."
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