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Otago Daily Times
May 12 1999
Partial victory for Peter Ellis
NZPA
Christchurch: Convicted child molester Peter
Ellis has won a partial victory with his petition to the Governor-General,
although his request for a pardon has gone unanswered.
Justice Minister Tony Ryall announced yesterday
Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys would not
consider Ellis' petition for a free pardon but had agreed to an alternative
request to widen the terms on which his case could be referred to the Court
of Appeal.
The news was welcomed by Ellis' supporters and legal team, who see it as an
important step toward his freedom.
Ellis' mother, Lesley, said she and her son were thrilled with the decision.
They had not expected the pardon would be granted but were happy the appeal
grounds had been widened.
"This is the best we could have hoped for," Mrs Ellis said.
She visited her son in prison on Sunday after returning from an overseas
holiday. He broke the news to her then but was still uncertain of the
details.
"He knew he was not getting out, but we never expected that," she
said.
The Court of Appeal will hear Ellis' case in Wellington on May 31.
Ellis' lawyer, Judith Ablett-Kerr, QC, of Dunedin, would not comment on the details
of the report but said she was pleased his appeal would be dealt with on a
wider basis.
"I am optimistic that it signals the beginning of the end of Mr Ellis'
fight for justice," she said.
It was the second time Ellis has petitioned the Governor-General for the exercise
of the royal prerogative of mercy since he was convicted in 1993 on 16
charges of molesting children at Christchurch Civic Creche.
It will also be the second time his case will be heard by the Court of
Appeal. His first appeal was dismissed in 1994.
Mr Ryall said he received advice from retired High
Court judge Justice Thomas Thorp before advising the Governor-General the
terms of reference should be broadened.
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