Olympics: NZ athlete facing assault charges

1.00pm

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) today denied knowing an athlete selected for Athens was facing assault charges.

The denial came after a separate row erupted over the selection of a boxer jailed for killing his daughter.

The athlete, who has name suppression, appeared in Christchurch District Court this month, and was remanded to appear again on the three assault charges on October 29, The Press reported today.

NZOC secretary general, Barry Maister, told National Radio today the body knew nothing about the case.

An NZOC spokesman said it was up to the individual sporting body to notify the committee of such an issue.

Controversy already surrounds boxer Soulan Pownceby who was jailed in 1995 for four years for the manslaughter of his five-month old daughter. Several assault charges followed his release from jail.

It was understood the other athlete was arrested during a night's drinking in central Christchurch.

After a fracas, to which the charges relate, he spent the night in the police cells at the Christchurch Central police station, The Press reported.

Neither the athlete's family nor the sports body associated with him knew anything of the charges when contacted.

The sports body said it would not necessarily be told of such an incident and subsequent charges unless the incident occurred while the athlete was part of the team environment.

The athlete was understood to be overseas at the moment.

- NZPA