Daily Mail

Date rape drug ordeal of student who ended up in intensive care

- By Tom Payne

A UNIVERSITY student ended up in intensive care after her drink was apparently spiked at a freshers’ party.

Mimi Walter, 19, was enjoying a night out with a friend when she fell unconsciou­s in a nightclub’s toilets. She says she had only drunk two gin and tonics.

Her friend Megan Howell called 999 and she was taken to hospital. She was treated in the critical care unit and is now with her mother Hillary and recovering at home in Marlboroug­h, Wiltshire.

Miss Walter, a student at Falmouth University, Cornwall, believes her drink was spiked

‘Fortunate I was found in time’

with a date rape drug – although her recollecti­on of the night is very hazy.

Date rape drugs can take effect in 20 minutes and render victims unconsciou­s.

Writing on Facebook on Saturday, Miss Walter, who was treated at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, said: ‘ last night my drink was spiked at my university freshers’ event.

‘I was found alone … by my best friend. The drug has a paralysing affect and makes you completely unaware to what is going on. I spent the night in an ambulance with a team of paramedics and was taken to hospital early this morning. I have no real recollecti­on of last night.

‘I was fortunate I was found in time, a couple hours later it is likely it would’ve been fatal. Don’t accept drinks off anyone, keep your drink close; if you feel you have been spiked seek medical assistance.

‘So grateful to Megan Howell for staying with me, the team of paramedics and my amazing mum who drove ten hours to take me back home.’

Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident had been logged as a crime.

A spokesman added: ‘ Drink spiking can result in a maximum punishment of ten years in prison. If an assault, rape or robbery has also taken place, the sentence will be higher.’

 ??  ?? Recovery: Mimi Walter is back at home
Recovery: Mimi Walter is back at home
 ??  ?? Mimi just after the incident
Mimi just after the incident

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