Tuesday, 02 October 2001

AUTHOR PLEASED WITH SUPPORT FOR BOOK

Author Lynley Hood yesterday said she had had nothing but support so far following yesterday's release of her controversial book about convicted child abuser Peter Ellis.

"Everybody has been extremely positive. People are saying good on you. It's about time the truth came out," Ms Hood said at the book's launch in Dunedin last night.

The 600-page book, A City Possessed, is the culmination of seven years' research into the conviction of Christchurch's Civic Creche worker Peter Ellis for sexually abusing seven young children.

Ellis was sentenced to 10 years' jail in 1993 for the crimes. Last year, he was released from prison after serving two-thirds of his sentence.

Ellis, who always maintained his innocence, applied for a pardon.

However, this was declined after a lengthy ministerial inquiry earlier this year found his case failed by a "distinct margin" to prove the original conviction was unsafe.

More than 60 people were on hand last night for the launch of the book at the University of Otago.

Ms Hood, 58, said she was delighted at the initial response.

"There hasn't been any flak at the moment. It could come, but if I'd been worried about that I wouldn't have written the book."

Dunedin book stores reported "plenty of interest", although one outlet believed some people might have been put off by its $59.95 price.

Graphic: BOOK DISCUSSION: Lynley Hood discusses her book with Tony Simpson (L) and Mark Henaghan at the launch of A City Possessed yesterday.

Otago Daily Times