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In one part of
Christchurch yesterday a son hugged his mum and vowed to continue a fight to
clear his name. But elsewhere a father
branded convicted child abuser Peter Ellis a "ticking time bomb". The father of the girl
who attended the Christchurch Civic Creche said Ellis' refusal to admit guilt
meant he had not been rehabilitated in any way. "While he
continues in his denial, he does no work on himself," he said.
"Peter is a time bomb, ready to explode." Ellis was released from
Paparua Prison yesterday, having served two-thirds of a 10-year sentence for
abuse relating to children in his care at the creche between 1986 and 1991. The man said he feared
his daughter might meet Ellis in the street, or at the local shops. He had no doubt that
Ellis was guilty and was angry that some of the children involved had been
"made to feel like liars". Ellis, who made a
statement but declined questions at a press conference yesterday, said his
fight would go on "and I do not intend to stop until my name is cleared
and the truth is out for everyone's sake, including the children", he
said. He may learn today if a
government inquiry will investigate his case and give him a new chance to
clear his name. Ellis, 41, yesterday
said he was still confident he would be freed from his conviction. Justice Minister Phil
Goff said yesterday the governor-general had sought his advice on an
application for a pardon and a royal commission of inquiry on behalf of
Ellis. He said he had concerns
about the case stemming from his reading of an inquiry conducted by former
High Court judge Sir Thomas Thorp, and last year's Court of Appeal judgment. -------------------- CAPTION: FREE: Peter Ellis and
his mother Leslie at a news conference yesterday. PICTURE: The Press |
