TV3 News

Wednesday, 2 February 2000, 7:56 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

Peter Ellis - Accusers And Supporters - Cocaine Bust - Yacht Search - Petrol Price Rises - Auckland Accidents - Niwa Buoy - Runway Driver

PETER ELLIS: Has a monster been released or is an innocent man finally free. Peter Ellis has today been released, at 6.30am. Ellis says he wants everyone to know that the fight to clear his name does not stop. He says he wants to do this for the sake of himself and the children. Justice Minister Phil Goff says it is not appropriate for him to grant a pardon. He is however considering an inquiry into the manner of interview and how evidence was gathered in the case. Judith Ablett Kerr wants a full inquiry and will be meeting with Goff tomorrow. Ellis thanked lots of people on his release - particularly his mother. "I feel she has served my sentence with me." Tonight he will relax with family and friends.

ACCUSERS AND SUPPORTERS: The Commissioner of Children issued a warning to Ellis saying "leave our children alone, I will look after them". Supporters claim that Ellis was the victim of a witch-hunt and want an inquiry. They say they have confidence that the new government will be more interested in reviewing the case. Lesley Ellis says she also will focus on clearing Ellis's name. Father of one of the victims says it has been a life sentence for his child. Wendy Ball - law lecturer - speaks on behalf of some children.

COCAINE BUST: More arrests expected following the half tonne cocaine bust. Thomas Fry and Hamish Thompson, two kiwis, have been charged in relation to the bust. Fry had lived on and off in Auckland. His Australian home was busted two years ago. Less is known about Thompson. He was a regular at a fishing club - a friend says he was a "great guy". The couple who sold Thompson his boat say it is amazing. NZ Police say there is every possibility that more associates of the gang will be charged.

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YACHT SEARCH: Coastguard angry about a search for a missing boat in the Hauraki Gulf which was not in any trouble.

PETROL PRICE RISES: Other petrol companies have matched the price rises in petrol announced by BP yesterday.

AUCKLAND ACCIDENTS: City evacuation after a gas main ruptured in central Auckland. In Onehunga one was taken to hospital after a fire in a factory.

NIWA BUOY: The NIWA weather buoy has been towed back into the Americas Cup village.

RUNWAY DRIVER: The Japanese man arrested for driving a car on the Auckland runway is to be deported tomorrow. The judge said that Takahashi was not fit to plead.

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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