Canterbury Mornings

The author whose book convinced many Peter Ellis was innocent says his appeal will leave a huge legacy.Almost exactly a year since Ellis died, the Supreme Court has ruled his appeal can go ahead.Ellis was convicted of sexual offending against children in 1993, but never accepted the charges and twice appealed the convictions.Lynley Hood told Chris Lynch although the Court hasn't released its reasons for the decision tikanga Maori was one argument used to push for it.The debate aired the importance of restoring mana after death.Hood says when she heard a group of kaumatua declared tikanga could apply to Ellis there was a feeling of history being made.