Peter Ellis (childcare worker)

Image of Peter Ellis on the cover of North & South magazine in November 2015

Peter Ellis was a New Zealand childcare worker who gained notoriety for his involvement in a high-profile criminal case known as the Christchurch creche case. Born on 30 March 1958, Ellis worked at the Christchurch Civic Creche in the 1980s, where he was accused of sexually abusing children in his care.

Allegations and Trial

In 1991, Ellis was charged with multiple counts of sexual offenses against children at the creche. The case sparked significant media attention and controversy, leading to a lengthy and highly publicized trial. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings, Ellis was ultimately convicted in 1993 and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Controversy and Appeals

The conviction of Peter Ellis has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy, with many supporters arguing that he was wrongfully convicted based on flawed evidence and testimonies from young children. Several appeals were made on his behalf, but the convictions were upheld, and Ellis served seven years in prison before being released on parole in 2000.

Legacy

The Christchurch creche case and the conviction of Peter Ellis continue to be a contentious issue in New Zealand's legal history. The case has raised questions about the reliability of child witness testimony and the justice system's handling of complex and sensitive cases involving allegations of child abuse.