Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	John Edgar case
	Waikato Times February 2 2000 Ellis freed - mother appeals to parents NZPA Convicted Christchurch paedophile Peter Ellis walked out of a side door of Paparua Prison today, avoiding waiting reporters and photographers at the main gate of the prison where he has spent more than six years. Ellis, 41, was convicted in 1993 on 16 charges of sexually abusing seven children in his care at Christchurch Civic Creche. He has consistently maintained his innocence, refusing to be released on parole in case it harmed legal efforts to clear his name. His release today is automatic after serving two-thirds of his 10-year sentence. As he walked from Paparua, his mother Lesley, who has battled to clear her son's name, called on the parents of children involved in the case to back her calls for a royal commission of inquiry. But, at the same time, Children's Commissioner Roger McClay urged people to remember that Ellis' crimes would cloud his victims forever. Mr McClay said several parents had asked him to speak out as the victims would find Ellis' release difficult. "This is almost a repeat of the turmoil and the trauma the children would have been through during the trial and afterwards and we can't change that, but I just say to New Zealand, think of victims too, because they've got the rest of their lives to get on with," Mr McClay said. "As a society we must ensure that these children's rights to safety, privacy and freedom from further physical, sexual and emotional abuse are upheld." Ellis supporter Winston Wealleans said Mr McClay's predecessors had intensified the hysteria surrounding the case by releasing emotive documents early in the investigation. "There was satanic ritual abuse material which originated from the commissioner's office that was very crucial material which contributed to the allegations of satanic ritual abuse," he said. Ellis' case and conviction polarised opinion and raised questions about the way young children were interviewed and the impartiality of the trial jury. Waikato Criminal Bar Association head Roger Laybourn today said most people in the legal profession believed the case was dubious. He believed there were similarities between Ellis' case and that of former Hamilton schoolteacher John Edgar, acquitted in April 1998 on eight counts of indecency. Ellis' lawyer Judith Ablett Kerr QC said adjustment outside jail would not be easy for her client. Ellis plans to live with his mother who hopes a job for him will be finalised soon. Ellis has failed to have his convictions overturned despite two applications to the Governor-General and a second hearing in the Court of Appeal late last year. A third petition was lodged with the Governor-General for a pardon and a royal commission of inquiry into the case after the latest court decision. Mrs Ablett Kerr QC said a commission of inquiry could consider evidence that the Court of Appeal rejected as outside its powers. Meanwhile, the Government says it is considering an inquiry into difficulties with evidence used in the Ellis case. Justice Minister Phil Goff said today he was waiting for advice from the Justice Ministry on what form the inquiry should take. Mr Goff said it was not appropriate "at the moment" for the Government to consider a pardon for Ellis, as the Court of Appeal had twice concluded there was no miscarriage of justice. -- Times staff, NZPA -------------------- CAPTION: FREE MAN: convicted paedophile Peter Ellis, who left prison today. He has fought to overturn his conviction for 6<<1/2>> years. FILE PICTURE: The Press, Christchurch