Anonymous Host

The couple submitted their written complaint that same day, concluding it by adding that they were worried for the safety of other children at the creche as well.

Gay Davidson was shocked and confused by the allegations.

She couldn't believe Peter Ellis could be capable of harming a child, but at the same time she wondered, had something happened?

Peter had worked at the Christchurch Civic Creche since 1986 when he was 28 years old.

His career in early childhood education had come about in an unorthodox way.

Peter had previously been employed at a bakery and was also receiving dole payments from the government.

When the New Zealand authorities realised Peter had received more money than he was entitled to, he was charged with misleading a social welfare officer and sentenced to 80 hours community service.

Peter was given the option of completing his community service at an animal shelter or a creche.

He chose the latter.

Peter soon began his service at the Christchurch Civic Kreisch, which was just a 20-minute walk from the large boarding house where he lived.

Because the Kreisch had a philosophy of giving everyone a fair go, there was no stigma associated with Peter's sentence.

He hadn't committed a violent crime and his offending wasn't of a serious nature.

There were no barriers to him working with children.

But there had still been some initial concerns that Peter might not fit in or be accepted at the creche.

Peter was bisexual during a time when it had recently been legal to discriminate against people based on their sexuality.

He also expressed himself in an open way where others might have opted to be more muted.

Often described as flamboyant, Peter had long hair, wore brightly coloured clothes, and applied make-up.

His fingers had long nails and were adorned with rings.

And he was loud, with a biting sense of humour.

But the Cretaceous accepting community welcomed Peter and he became a favourite of some parents and children alike.