The Christchurch Civic Creche Case
	News Reports Index
	1999 July-Dec
	Otago Daily Times Monday, 8-November 1999 Supporters deny Ellis dress claims NZPA Christchurch: Allegations convicted child abuser Peter Ellis has been allowed to wear dresses in Rolleston Prison have been rubbished by his supporters. Winston Wealleans, who maintains Ellis is innocent of the charges of child abuse at the Christchurch Civic Childcare Centre, said the allegations, published in the Sunday-Star Times, 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 be telling prison authorities he was prepared to waive privacy considerations so they could confirm or deny the allegations. Prison officers would definitely know if Ellis dressed in frocks and those he had spoken to had said it was rubbish. . Ellis was a homosexual but did not dress in women's clothes, Mr Wealleans said. Prison Service assistant general manager Bryan McMurray would not comment directly on whether inmates were allowed to wear dresses or on what Ellis wore in prison. Ellis is serving a 10-year jail term and is due for release early next year. His second appeal against his convictions was dismissed last month and he awaits a Government decision on an inquiry will be set up to investigate the case.