Warning: this episode refers to child sex abuse and is intended for a mature audience only.

The Christchurch Civic Creche child sex abuse scandal rocked the South Island city in the early 90s - and went on to become one of the most significant legal battles in New Zealand's history.

Childcare worker Peter Ellis was accused of bizarre and horrifying offences of satanic rituals, torture and sacrifice against preschoolers while he worked at the creche.

He was eventually convicted on 16 charges of sexually abusing pre-schoolers and jailed for 10 years.

In 2022 - after numerous failed appeals - the Supreme Court quashed Ellis' convictions, saying the police investigation and his trial were significantly flawed.

Sadly, Ellis died before the landmark decision.

In this episode of A Moment In Crime host Anna Leask goes back to 1991 when Ellis was first accused of child abuse - and tells his story from there.

You will also one of the last interviews Ellis ever gave before he died, as well as one of the child complainants who maintains she was abused by her former creche teacher.

A Moment In Crime is written and hosted by Anna Leask, senior journalist at the New Zealand Herald. To find out more about her work as a specialist crime and justice reporter click here.

To read more:

The twists and turns of Peter Ellis' Christchurch Civic Creche sex abuse case

Peter Ellis: Convictions posthumously quashed in landmark Supreme Court decision

To hear more:

The Front Page

The Mike Hosking Breakfast, NewstalkZB

SEXUAL HARM - Where to get help

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Email support@safetotalk.nz

For more info or to web chat visit www.safetotalk.nz

Alternatively contact your local police station.

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.