Boxer on assault charge free to attend Games

Anger has greeted a judge's decision to grant bail to a man facing assault and aggravated robbery charges so he can attend the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Sitaleki Maka, 20, appeared before Judge Michael Behrens in the Auckland District Court on Tuesday.

He was charged in connection with an assault which left two teenagers in hospital, one with wounds to his head.

The assault allegedly happened while Maka, a lightweight boxer, was on bail for an aggravated robbery.

He breached several of his aggravated robbery bail conditions by being out on the night of the alleged assault.

In Court, police strongly opposed Maka being granted bail.

It was allowed anyway so that he could represent Tonga in the Commonwealth Games.

The decision has angered many, including one of Maka's alleged victims.

The 18-year-old teenager, who did not want to be identified, ended up in hospital after being hit around the head with a bottle and kicked while he lay bleeding on the ground. His friend got a broken nose during the assault.

The teenager said he did not initially know that the man who charged with assaulting him was a boxer.

"I only just found out that he was a Commonwealth Games boxer. I thought sweet as, he won't be going there - that's punishment enough. When I found out he was going, I thought it was bullshit."

The teen said he fears Maka might not return to New Zealand to face the charges.

He is still recovering from his injuries that included a split eye and head wounds.

The teen's father, giving his name only as Rob, is furious the strong requests by police for Maka to be remanded in custody were ignored. He said competing at the Games was an honour, not something that someone facing serious charges should be allowed to participate in - no matter how much training had been done beforehand.

Other people have also contacted the Herald saying they are frustrated that a man accused of a serious assault that was allegedly committed while he on bail for another serious crime has not only been given bail again, but allowed the privilege of attending the Games.

There are calls for him to be prevented from attending.

Maka's trainer Lolo Heimuli yesterday said he didn't know anything about the recent charges and that he was not in court to support the boxer on Tuesday.

*Do you think Maka should have been granted bail so he could attend the Games? Email the Herald Newsdesk using the link below.