Truth at last, say supporters — not, say accusers’ parents
Parents of the children who accused Peter Ellis of sexual abuse three decades ago say the Supreme Court “favoured a convicted criminal, and ignored the victims” in its historic decision to posthumously quash the former Christchurch creche carer’s convictions yesterday.
They described being “shocked and saddened“by the ruling of the country’s top judges and said “the court of public opinion is often illinformed and the facts are lost”.
Ellis was convicted of child sexual abuse and jailed in 1993 for 10 years. At the time, New Zealand was in the grip of an international anxiety about increased child sexual abuse and rumours were rife of satanic rituals.
But Ellis always maintained his innocence, eventually having his convictions overturned after his death and following what the Supreme Court described as a “substantial miscarriage of justice”.
In a joint statement from the complainants’ parents yesterday, they acknowledged and thanked all of the children who, “suffered terrible abuse and who live with the effects of that abuse today”.
The parents noted the Supreme Court’s recognition that its judgment was not a criticism of the parents, the complainants or those involved in the investigation and trial.
“We also want to acknowledge the court’s recognition of the high levels of additional stress that has been occasioned by the hearing of this appeal.
“Having said that, in quashing the convictions, we believe the court has favoured a convicted criminal and ignored the victims.”
The complainants, the parents said, have “not been allowed a voice in this process”.
“Some are too afraid and traumatised still, but we as parents want to speak out and say loud and clear once again. We hear you and we believe you.
“The trauma of not being believed over the years takes its toll. The court of public opinion is often ill-informed and the facts are lost.”
The children who gave evidence in court “carried a huge burden all these years”, the parents said.
“Asking children at the age of 5 or 6 to give evidence in a court of law, after having had interviews with people they had never met, and had no reason to trust, was always going to be a huge ask of both the children and their families.
“The fact that some managed to do this was the exception rather than the rule.”
The parents also thanked police and the other witnesses who gave evidence in support of the children.
“It’s important at this time to remember that the evidence against Peter Ellis has received an unprecedented level of legal scrutiny over the years,” they said.
“The judge and jury in the original trial believed the children, two appeals to overturn those convictions were lost and a Commission of Inquiry upheld the verdicts.”
The legacy of the case, the parents added, ensured that childcare centres around New Zealand became safer places for all children and staff.
“The Civic Creche children, now adults, know what happened to them . . . we want to thank them all again for their bravery and courage.”
Meanwhile, Ellis’ family said they never doubted their brother’s innocence and always supported the battle to clear his name.
Speaking to media in an emotional address outside the Supreme Court yesterday, Ellis’ siblings Mark and
We believe the court has favoured a convicted criminal and ignored the victims. Complainants’ parents
Tania said they wished their brother, who died in 2019 from bladder cancer, could have witnessed the historic moment.
“We’re just proud of him,” Mark said through tears. “We’re just proud of the person he was.”
About six of Ellis’ family members were present at the hearing in Wellington.
Asked what they’d do if their brother was alive, they said embracing him would be the first priority.
“We’d cuddle him. We’d give him a big hug. We’re just pleased with the outcome, finally,” Mark said.
Tania said her brother’s mana had been restored, and the wha¯nau had relied on the strength of one another.
Mark said his brother “stood strong” and maintained his innocence until the end, with his mother Lesley, who died a month ago, also always steadfastly by his side.
“It’s just a shame that he’s not here, and Mum, we shouldn’t forget about Mum . . . [we] never doubted . . . he was innocent and that was it,” he said.
When the idea of compensation was raised, the family said it was never important to them and their battle was always about expunging their brother’s sullied reputation.
All Ellis wanted was his name cleared, they said. “That’s what he stuck to all his life right up to the end,” Mark said.
Tania also thanked Ellis and the family’s supporters, including lawyer Rob Harrison and his legal team, who had fought for justice for decades.
“Much aroha to those who have been with us and thank you.”
Barry Doyle, a friend of the Ellis family for “60-odd” years, also said when the allegations were first made in 1991, “we knew it was rubbish”.
Doyle, 86, had known Ellis since he was a child and was friends with his father John, who according to Doyle, had been just too frail to attend yesterday’s hearing.
“We have waited so long,” Doyle said. “It’s been a terribly long and bitter journey, not just for us but for New Zealand.
“But today the court has said 30 years of injustice has been settled and not just me but hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of New Zealanders will be thankful for today’s findings.”