The Herald
Brash hopeful of success with A-list Ellis petition
NZPA
National MP Don Brash is hopeful the signatures of 140 high-profile New
Zealanders will convince the Government to review Peter Ellis' conviction in
the Christchurch Civic Creche child abuse case.
The petition calling for a royal commission of inquiry was started by Dr Brash
and fellow National MP Katherine Rich.
Author Lynley Hood's book A City Possessed triggered the petition, which will
be presented by Hood at Parliament this morning.
Ellis was sentenced to 10 years' jail in 1993.
He spent 6 1/2 years in prison and was freed in 2000, having always maintained
his innocence.
Dr Brash said the petition had enjoyed "quite unexpected support".
Among those reported to have signed are former prime ministers David Lange and
Mike Moore, Queen's Counsel Nigel Hampton and Stuart Grieve, law professors
John Burrows, John Prebble and Mark Henaghan, writers Keri Hulme,
Maurice Gee and Witi Ihimaera
and Dunedin Mayor Sukhi Turner.
Labour MPs David Parker and Georgina Beyer have signed, despite being advised
against it by their party whip.
Early this month, Justice Minister Phil Goff said he was not persuaded there
was good reason for such an inquiry.
"It has been twice to the Court of Appeal, where seven separate Court of
Appeal judges have said there is no miscarriage of justice."