Athlete granted bail for the Games

MELBOURNE - A New Zealand athlete facing criminal charges will be allowed to stay in Melbourne and compete in the Commonwealth Games, Australian immigration officials say.

The name of the 20-year-old athlete was suppressed when the court decided to grant him bail so he could compete.

He is facing charges of arson and unlawfully taking a vehicle.

All Games athletes are vetted by a special committee called the entry advisory group.

The group checks criminal records and other security concerns before their visas are issued.

The group passes its recommendations to Immigration Minister Senator Amanda Vanstone, who has wide discretionary powers.

Vanstone banned Tongan boxer Sitaleki Maka, despite his release on bail on two counts of injuring with intent and two of common assault.

But she allowed New Zealander Soulan Pownceby to take part in the Games, even after Australian Prime Minister John Howard said he did not think it appropriate the boxer be allowed to take part in the Games.

In the latest case there were doubts that Australian or Games officials had been made aware of the charges facing the athlete.

But an Australian Immigration spokesman said yesterday that the advisory group had been told of the circumstances.

The spokesman said the group considered that the athlete presented no real security risk.

Accordingly, he said, there was no need to revoke his visa.

He would be allowed to remain in Australia and to compete.

His visa will stand.