The deported dad of Richmond star Dustin Martin says his criminal record has been "amped up" by police to stop him from re-entering the country.
Shane Martin had his visa was cancelled in March 2016 and was deported back to New Zealand when immigration officials ruled he wasn't of good character.
In an interview with 3AW, Martin said he had been made an example of because of his high-profile son.
"What better person to make an example of? I'm not that sort of person they made me out to be," he said.
The elder Martin said police exaggerated charges against him to prevent him from re-entering the country.
"They amp the charges up to make you look worse, that's what police do."
His comments relate to a burglary charge on his criminal record that he says has been exaggerated.
"I was at my sister-in-law's house and I kicked the door in, I didn't take anything," he said.
In 2004, Martin received a two-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for aiding and abetting in ecstasy trafficking. He was also fined for drug possession.
In New Zealand, his past charges include unlawful assault, burglary, armed with intent and drug offences - a record dating back to 1990.
He insists, however, that he's "all about respect, you know, and morals".
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