A New Zealand-born man who attacked neighbours with a roller skate and later deliberately ran down a man with his car is facing deportation from Australia after authorities cancelled his visa on character grounds.
Leslie Matthew Ruru, 67, has lived in Australia for 46 years but now faces removal to New Zealand under Section 501 of Australia’s Migration Act following a long history of violent offending.
Currently held in immigration detention, Ruru is appealing the decision and asking to remain in Australia.
Tribunal records show Ruru’s criminal offending began in the early 2000s and included assault, drug offences, obstructing police, and animal cruelty.In 2012, he was jailed for repeatedly beating a man with a large stick during a prolonged attack. The same year, he was convicted of cruelty offences involving puppies in his care.
Neighbours Attacked With Roller Skate
In 2020, a dispute involving dogs escalated into violence when Ruru struck a female neighbour in the head with a children’s roller skate.When her husband intervened, Ruru repeatedly hit him with the same skate, leaving both victims injured and resulting in further prison time.
Man Run Down Twice
In August 2023, Ruru attended a creekside gathering where alcohol and cannabis were consumed. Following an argument, he smashed a wine glass into a man’s head.The victim walked away, but Ruru got into his vehicle and drove directly at him. The impact threw the man onto the bonnet before he fell to the ground.
As bystanders tried to help, Ruru drove at the victim again, knocking him down a second time.
Deportation Decision
Australian authorities found Ruru’s repeated violent behaviour posed an ongoing risk to public safety and cancelled his visa.Unless his appeal succeeds, the New Zealand citizen will be deported after spending most of his adult life in Australia.
