Visa overstayers to defend assault charges

Two New Zealanders and a Fijian are likely to defend themselves against allegations they assaulted a man at an immigration detention centre, northeast of Perth.

Matiu Puhipi Dunn, 40, Foaga Paulo, 26, and Ratu Seruqaranivalu, 42, appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court from Casuarina and Hakea prisons via video link on Monday.

It is alleged the three men assaulted a fellow detainee at Yongah Hill Detention Centre at midday on March 5, causing injuries to his face and head.

After being assessed at Northam Hospital, the 41-year-old victim was taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.

Yongah Hill was set up to house single male asylum seekers in 2012, but now contains a mix of asylum seekers and convicted criminals, including visa overstayers.

The victim and the alleged offenders are 501 detainees - people who have had their visa cancelled under section 501 of the Migration Act - and were awaiting deportation.

Seruqaranivalu has pleaded not guilty but has been refused legal aid, which means he may have to represent himself at trial.

Dunn told the court he was trying to have the charge revoked because he had been falsely accused of the allegations.

Paulo is yet to have his application for legal aid approved.

The court heard it would be problematic if the three men were granted bail and released back into immigration custody at Yongah Hill because "evidence may be contaminated".

All three men are scheduled to appear in court at later dates.