Possibility Peter Ellis' appeal could go ahead even if he dies

Monday, 12 August 2019

Will a dying Peter Ellis, convicted in 1993 of child sex abuse charges, be cleared to enjoy his last three months of life? Sharon Brettkelly discusses the case with court reporter Martin van Beynen on RNZ’s podcast The Detail. (Video first publishe

The Supreme Court has indicated it will consider hearing Peter Ellis' appeal even if he dies before the hearing date.

The court had scheduled the appeal to be heard over four days from November 11 to 14 with one reserve day if needed.

Five judges, including Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann, will be on the bench to hear Ellis' appeal against the Court of Appeal decision upholding his convictions on 13 charges of abusing children in his care at the Christchurch Civic Creche.

Peter Ellis, 61, is hoping is last months will see his name cleared.

Ellis' lawyer Rob Harrison said he was very grateful the court had decided to hear the case so quickly.

**READ MORE:

Peter Ellis was convicted in the Civic creche child abuse in the 1990s.

* Civic Creche: Sexual abuse or abuse of justice?

* Peter Ellis is a step closer to getting dying wish to clear his name

* Supreme Court considering urgency for Peter Ellis' Civic Creche case**

'The court has also indicated it will consider hearing argument and making a ruling even if Peter does not make the distance,' he said.

Ellis is in the last stages of bladder cancer and had been given a limited time to live.

The former childcare worker was found guilty in 1993 but has maintained his innocence. He served seven years in jail.