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Otago Daily Times
September 24 1999
Ellis says no to parole
NZPA
Christchurch:
Convicted paedophile Peter Ellis has again refused to leave Christchurch
Prison.
Ellis has previously turned down two parole opportunities, saying that to
take them would be to acknowledge guilt.
His lawyer, Judith Ablett Kerr QC, of Dunedin,
said that consistent with his stance before the Parole Board, Ellis yesterday
declined home leave.
At the same time, his mother Lesley Ellis went to Wellington to deliver her request for a
Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch Civic Creche case.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters agreed to meet Mrs Ellis to receive
her letters at Parliament.
Mrs Ellis said the pending decision on an appeal heard in July was
irrelevant, because the controversy surrounding the investigation into her
son's case left too many unanswered questions.
"There are just too many concerns about a range of government
departments," Mrs Ellis said.
Copies of Mrs Ellis' letter will be given to all MPs.
"Peter has to be released in February anyway, but he is still
exceedingly resolute when it comes to proving his innocence. He's still
pretty annoyed," Mrs Ellis said.
Last November, Mrs Ablett Kerr asked Governor-General Sir Michael Hardie Boys
to pardon Ellis and order an inquiry. Sir Michael declined the pardon but
agreed to widen the terms of the appeal.
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