A criminal lawyer says modern science could cast fresh light on Peter Ellis' case.

Ellis served seven years in jail for abusing seven children at the Christchurch Civic Creche in 1991.

He's been given leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, in a bid to clear his name.

Steve Bonnar QC told Mike Hosking developments in science have opened more avenues.

“The Supreme Court will be looking at the original trial in light of modern science and expert evidence.”

Bonnar says a re-trial would depend on the strength of the new findings.

“If the court finds that something went wrong with the original trial, but there is still evidence on which the jury could convict, then it can go to a re-trial.”