Sex offender to remain in NZ

A young South African man convicted of having sex with a 13-year-old boy has escaped deportation.

In 2007 Stephen Diaz, 20, was sentenced to two years jail and fined $5000 but was granted home detention after two months and order made for him to leave the country, the Dominion Post reported.

The order was appealed and a Deportation Review Tribunal hearing last September was told separation from his family would be devastating for Diaz who had lived in New Zealand for five years.

Family members said that despite his age he was immature, could not look after himself, and the nature of his offending could make him a target for violence in South Africa.

The tribunal overturned the deportation order citing "compassionate circumstances" and said Diaz was unlikely to offend again.

- NZPA