The Christchurch Civic Creche Case
	News Reports Index
	1999 July-Dec
	The Dominion November 8 1999 Drag story rubbish say Ellis supporters NZPA Allegations that convicted child abuser Peter Ellis has been allowed to wear dresses in jail have been rejected by his supporters. Winston Wealleans, who maintains Ellis is innocent of the charges of child abuse at the Christchurch Civic Childcare Centre, said the dress allegations, made yesterday, were malicious nonsense. "I visit Peter every week along with many other people and none of us have ever seen him wear a frock. It's utter rubbish," he said. Ellis would tell prison authorities he was prepared to waive privacy considerations so they could confirm or deny the allegations. Officers at Rolleston Prison, Christchurch, where Ellis is serving a 10-year term, had said they were incorrect. Ellis made no secret that he was a homosexual but he did not dress in women's clothes, Mr Wealleans said. Prison Service assistant general manager Bryan McMurray would not comment directly on what Ellis wore in prison. The department's interest in an inmate's recreational clothing was confined to ensuring it did not interfere with providing a safe and secure environment, he said. There had been no problems at Rolleston Prison relating to inmates' clothing, he said. Ellis is due to be freed early next year. Though his second appeal against his convictions was dismissed last month he awaits a government decision on whether or not a royal commission of inquiry will be set up to investigate the case.