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New Zealand
Listener
Vol 186, No 3259
October 26, 2002
Abuser and abused
Letter to the Editor
by Randall
McDonnell, (Wellington)
I applaud the professionalism and perseverance of the forensic scientists and
police who provided evidence that cleared David Dougherty, eliminated Wayne
Montaperto as a suspect and convicted Jules Mikus. This work was possible
because the perpetrators left material containing their DNA at the scenes of
their crimes.
Which leads me to ponder a case that has polarised New Zealanders - the
conviction of Peter Ellis solely on the statements of children interviewed by
"trained" social workers.
I find it difficult to understand how Ellis could have forced himself on so
many victims but never left any evidence. Were samples taken? If not, why
not? If nothing was found, then surely forensic science indicates that it is
extremely unlikely that abuse happened and the just and logical conclusion is
that the allegations arose out of hysteria.
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