Child rapist's deportation upheld

A child rapist has had his appeal against deportation turned down by a review tribunal.

Aucklander Niusila Pula had been in jail for abduction and rape since 1987, and was paroled in June 2004.

The 31-year-old Samoan citizen argued against being sent back home because he had spent 12 years out of the country, had no assets or land to go to, and said he had dealt with problems of anger, alcohol and drug abuse.

His partner was now expecting their child, and he also had a daughter in Auckland born to another woman during his stay in prison.

However, the Immigration Minister argued six and a half of those years spent in New Zealand were in custody, adding that his offending was extremely serious and violent and his family could visit him in Samoa if they wanted to.

His deportation order has been confirmed.

- NEWSTALK ZB