BOXING legend Mike Tyson was refused entry to Britain yesterday — because his
jail sentence for rape breaches new immigration rules.
The ex-world heavyweight champ had to scrap a UK tour promoting his
autobiography because regulations introduced last December ban anyone
sentenced to more than four years.
Tyson, 47 — who served three years of a six-year term for raping 18-year-old
beauty queen Desiree Washington in 1991 — said: “I’m greatly disappointed.”
But campaigners against sexual violence welcomed the decision to ban the
controversial boxer, who famously bit a chunk from opponent Evander
Holyfield’s ear during a 1997 fight.
The group Ending Victimisation And Blame said: “We are delighted Mike Tyson is
not being allowed in.
“We believe this sends a message that his criminal actions have long-term
consequences.”
Rape survivors’ charity Aurora New Dawn said: “We feel this sends a strong
message. It does have an impact when someone like Mike Tyson is going around
the country earning money from airing his views.”
Child protection campaigner Sara Payne said: “I think the Home Office got it
right.
“The rules don’t change just because the offender is famous. Mike Tyson is a
shameful smudge on the sport he represents. It is wrong to allow him to
exploit his criminal notoriety.”
Tyson, who was due to fly into London from Paris yesterday, has also been
convicted of assault, cocaine possession and driving under the influence in
the past.
The ex-boxer yesterday said he had regularly visited Britain before
immigration laws were tightened and hopes to do so again. He said: “I have
been coming to the UK consistently in the past decade so this change is
disheartening since it affects my current entry standing.
“I apologise to my fans that were inconvenienced, however, please know I am
currently working diligently with the proper authorities to regain access
next year for my UK tour.”
Tyson, who was last night in Paris promoting his book Undisputed Truth, added:
“I have a great deal of respect for the laws of the United Kingdom and will
continue taking the proper steps for re-entry.”
Tyson is scheduled to perform a series of one-man shows in Britain in March.
Tour spokesman Steve Guest insisted next year’s dates would go ahead.
He said: “It is something we need to work out with immigration people and then
everything will be fine.”
Publishers HarperCollins, organising the current book tour, said: “There was a
change in the UK immigration law in December 2012 of which we were unaware.”
Tyson has previously been stopped from entering New Zealand because of his
past.
Many other countries have similar immigration laws banning those with
convictions. America is particularly strict, with anyone who has been
sentenced to more than six months likely to be refused entry.
Even minor crimes will earn a ban if they are offences of “moral turpitude” —
such as those involving drugs or sex.
Canada bans anyone convicted of a crime that is also an offence there.
Australia refuses entry to any ex-offender who has been jailed for a year or
more.
Troubled times of Iron Mike
Nov 1986: Wins WBC heavyweight title at 20.
Feb 1988: Marries actress Robin Givens.
Aug 1987: Undisputed world champ.
Oct 1988: Givens files for divorce.
Feb 1990: Loses world title to James ‘Buster’ Douglas.
July 1991: Accused of raping beauty queen Desiree Washington.
Mar 1992: Convicted of rape and jailed, serves three years.
Mar 1996: KOs Frank Bruno to regain WBC title.
April 1997: Marries Monica Turner (divorced Jan 2003).
July 1997: Boxing licence revoked for biting Holyfield’s ear in title
fight.
June 2002: Loses world title fight to Lennox Lewis.
Aug 2003: Bankrupt after blowing nearly £182m.
Dec 2013: barred from UK.
Rapist barred… but tyrants are OK
A HOST of celebs could be barred from the UK under the rules — yet tyrants are
unaffected.
Boxing promoter Don King might struggle with his manslaughter conviction, as
would record-producing murderer Phil Spector and rapper 50 Cent — jailed for
drugs offences.
But Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has not even an arrest warrant, so may get
in.