BELFAST: The three athletes charged with a variety of offences in Northern Ireland will not be competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and will fly home today to Amman. They will be returned to court in Northern Ireland on October 18.

The three appeared in court yesterday and were released on bail after charges arising from events during the Jordanian team’s preparation time in county Antrim.

The Jordanian Paralympic Committee, whose actions are being monitored directly by the office of King Abdullah, also confirmed that the three would not be going to London.

A statement said: “The president and board of the Jordanian Paralympic Committee (JPC) decided that although the case will not be heard again in court until October 18, it would be inappropriate for the accused athletes to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, so they will be sent home to Amman.

“We have a zero tolerance on any misconduct and will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland authorities to assist in their investigation.

“However, our focus is now preparing the remaining members of the team for competition and we look forward to taking part in what promises to be a truly magnificent sporting event.”

KEIR RADNEDGE

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