Waikato Times
June 24 2003

Ellis remains hopeful

The man found guilty of abusing children at Christchurch Civic Creche hopes a petition to be presented to Parliament today will see his conviction reviewed.

Peter Ellis, pictured, was sentenced to 10 years' jail in 1993. He spent 6½ years in prison and was freed in 2000, having always maintained his innocence.

National MPs Don Brash and Katherine Rich have gathered the signatures of 140 high-profile New Zealanders in the hope the petition will convince the Government to open a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Ellis' conviction.