Conviction

Peter Ellis was released from prison in 2000 - but that was by no means the end of the story. This episode looks at life after prison and the huge impact this case has had on the whole country.

Peter Ellis spent more than seven years in prison, for a crime he says he didn't commit. He and others describe his time behind bars and the many surprises and revelations he faced.

Tensions run high as the High Court trial of Peter Ellis reaches its conclusion.

The High Court trial into child abuse at the Christchurch Civic Creche begins on Monday, 26 April, 1993. Peter Ellis is charged with 28 counts against 13 children.

As the divisions in the community intensify, one year on from those first allegations, the preliminary court hearing against Peter Ellis and the four women begins.

Four female creche workers are arrested in a series of raids on their homes. A damning report into the creche culture is release and the child care centre is abruptly closed.

The children’s stories get more and more bizarre and suddenly, others are in the frame too.

As more and more children come forward with accounts of abuse, we look at what the role the parents, police and expert child interviewers may have played.

Peter Ellis is arrested and charged with child sexual abuse. Creche parents are panicked and horrified. But what has really been happening at the creche?

As more and more children came forward with claims of sexual abuse, we ask whether international events were influencing the case in Christchurch.