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Otago Daily Times
February 9 2000
Local author's forthcoming publication
Ellis book not about reaching conclusions
by Simon Hartley
Publication of a Dunedin author's book on the controversial Peter Ellis
child sex abuse case is several months away.
Lynley Hood said the book was not about reaching conclusions but an attempt
to make sense of apparent contradictions and puzzles surrounding the Ellis
case.
Peter Ellis (41) served seven years of a 10-year sentence after being
convicted in 1993 on 16 charges of sexually abusing seven children in his
care at Christchurch's Civic Creche.
Ellis, who refused parole opportunities while in jail, was freed from Paparua
Prison a week ago and maintained he would continue the fight to clear his
name.
Ms Hood said the book was "separate from guilt and innocence".
"It looks at both social influences and law changes surrounding child
sex abuse for the past 25 years," she said.
There was impression of an "epidemic" of child abuse cases in the
media which raised many questions. In the Ellis case, these included
questions on employment, court and women's issues and how allegations arose.
Ms Hood (57) has been based in Dunedin for 38 years and has worked full-time
for the past five years on the Ellis book.
She has also written a book on "New Zealand's most famous, dead, child
care worker", Minnie Dean - Her Life and crimes .
Reviews of Ms Hood's earlier books include references to meticulous research
and insights into New Zealand's social history.
Yesterday, she estimated more than 200 interviews had been undertaken since
she began work on the book in 1993. She had visited Ellis in Paparua Prison
on several occasions.
"It helps to meet people and put a human face to them," Ms Hood
said.
Peter Ellis' counsel, Dunedin-based Judith Ablett-Kerr QC, said in a
statement through her personal secretary yesterday she had met Justice
Minister Phil Goff the day after Ellis' release and expected to hear of any
developments in the next two weeks.
Ms Hood said she would not hold up publication of her book, through
Canterbury University Press, because of Ellis' various appeals and could only
estimate it would be released "some time" this year.
Ellis has applied unsuccessfully twice to the Governor-General and the Court
of Appeal to have his convictions overturned.
A third petition was recently lodged with the Governor-General for a pardon
and an application for a royal commission of inquiry is being considered by
Mr Goff.
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