AN ASYLUM-seeker who married and settled in Newport has been told he must return to Croatia - despite facing persecution if he goes back.

Mihajlo Graorac, 31, fled his homeland three years ago in fear for his life after his father, Mirko, was jailed for alleged war crimes following a trial condemned as "unsafe" by Amnesty International.

Since arriving in Newport, Mr Graorac has learned English, and studied engineering production at Coleg Gwent, where he was awarded the trophy for Most Outstanding Student in his field in 2001/2002. He now works as a supervisor for a Newport building firm.

While studying English he met Alison, a supply teacher from Newport, and the couple married two years ago.

But at a hearing in Cardiff last week an adjudicator for the Immigration Appelate Authority refused Mr Graorac's claim, saying Croatia was now a safe country.

The adjudicator described Mr Graorac as "industrious and conscientious", and stressed: "I consider that if he was allowed to remain in the United Kingdom he would prove to be a most valuable member of society."

The couple, of Portskewett Street, will learn this week whether or not they can appeal.

Mr Graorac said: "Everybody knows who I am back home.

"We have done everything by the book, but now they want me to leave."

His employer, Gary Hicks, who runs GRH Total Build, said: "Mihajlo is the sort of person you could be proud to call your right- hand man, but also proud to call a true friend. It would be a real shame if he had to leave."

Newport East MP Alan Howarth is backing the case, and said: "He cannot go back to Croatia without being in very genuine physical danger. I will support his case at the tribunal and with the home secretary, if necessary."

Human rights group Amnesty International is fighting to free Mirko Graorac after they conducted an investigation which revealed he was not allowed a defence and was tortured and ill-treated in prison.