Not sure this really helps but got a letter back from my MP about the Crocker situation.
Basically it skirted my main question which was in the context of this is fair enough if it applies to all - i.e. footballers, entertainers etc. from any other country.

On the work visa front it confirmed the following -

The refusal was "discretionary" rather than "mandatory" (which maybe gives a little hope). I doubt it was mandatory as that would be personally directed by the secretary of state (I doubt!) or if info was not disclosed (possible I guess).

However under "discretionary" the visa "should normally be refused" if the offence "committed outside the UK, would be so punishable if the conduct constituting the offence had occurred in the UK" - However a little hope here if the "crime" had happened in the UK it would have to be one that came with a jail term of 12 months or greater. So if what Crocker did in Oz wouldn’t have got him 12 months if it had been committed here it may help.

On the amount of time spent and the fact he has done community work and perhaps become a “better person” it doesn’t look great. A person may become "rehabilitated" however this comes with the "AND conviction spent".

Like I say maybe nothing more than anyone has posted already but straight from House of Commons printed paper!

Is that a direct quote of the reason for refusal? It seems to confirm what I thought if so.

The maximum sentence for affray is 3 years, which is why Crocker was caught by it and the refusal IS discretionary. If it was a mandatory refusal, there would be no point reapplying until the conviction is spent - after 5 years.

What about Eastwood (I think) who had driving offences.

Besides Crocker would not have gotten a jail sentence, cos there aint enough room

I know it's going over old ground, but once again the degree of severity must come into play, he was fined $700. That equates to a breach of the peace, as he pleaded guilty to the crime I cannot see the judge knocking chunks of his sentence down to a miserly fine, doesn't add up.

I agree, which is why there is cause for a bit of optimism. Affray in the UK carries a max sentence of 3 years which is why the problem arose for Crocker. However, the details of the actual offence should be taken into account, and the fact that he received a low fine (about £300) should mean that he has a bettter chance of success. Fingers crossed!

Right folks.. i know it gets frustrating waiting on the confirmation of him arriving or not arriving... but for now all conversation on Michael Crocker stops here.

We seem to be going around in circles.. so no threads on him untill a further announcement is made anyone proceeding to create tripe on him arriving or not arriving... and we'll just go down the moderation proccess with you getting banned as a result 3.3857421875:5