Student spiked with needle told by venue she was just drunk
SHE DIDN’T REPORT ORDEAL TO POLICE AFTER UNION STAFF DISMISSED INJECTION DOT
A LOUGHBOROUGH University student, who says she was spiked by injection while at her student union, said she did not report the incident to police because she was not confident it would be properly investigated.
The undergraduate said staff at the venue had insisted she was drunk, despite a small dot on her elbow, which was later confirmed by a doctor to have been caused by an injection.
Despite being admitted to hospital, she claimed she received “no contact at all” from the union in the days following thee the incident, which occurred earlier this is month.
“I didn’t bother chasing it up because afterwards I was exhausted and I wasn’t confident that they would investigate it,” she said.
A LOUGHBOROUGH University student, who says she was spiked by injection while at her student union, said she did not report the incident to police because she was not confident it would be properly investigated.
The second year undergraduate said staff at the venue had insisted she was drunk, despite a small dot on her elbow, which was later confirmed by a doctor to have been caused by an injection.
Despite being admitted to hospital, she claimed she received “no contact at all” from the union in the days following the incident, which occurred earlier this month.
“I was in our students’ union. I don’t remember actually getting spiked, I just remember going dizzy and collapsing in the smoking area,” she told the PA news agency.
“I was told by the friends I was with that the union security insisted that I had just had too much to drink, when I had only had a couple of drinks that evening, the same amount as the friends looking after me.
“There was a conversation about whether it was injected or not because I had a small dot on my elbow and the union staff insisted it couldn’t be the case, sticking on that I was too drunk or had taken something.”
The student said a doctor later confirmed she had been injected. She went to hospital for monitoring after experiencing heart palpitations.
“After that I went home and stayed in bed for about three days. I couldn’t eat anything at all without throwing up,” she said.
Asked whether she had reported the incident, or if any action had been taken, she said: “On the night one of the security guards asked me if I knew who did it and I said I couldn’t remember anything. After that nothing… no contact from the union at all. They didn’t contact me from when I left to go to the hospital.
“I didn’t bother chasing it up because afterwards I was exhausted and I wasn’t confident that they would investigate it.”
The student, who is taking part in a boycott of nightclubs in Loughborough, said similar incidents had been happening “a lot this year, particularly in the students’ union”.
A university spokesman said: “We do not believe this incident has yet been reported to the university.
“We encourage the victim to come forward so we can fully investigate, in partnership with the students’ union.
“For the avoidance of doubt, any student who is identified spiking will have their studies terminated.”
Loughborough Students’ Union has been contacted for comment.
Police have issued a warning to the public following a spate of drink-spiking incidents across the country.
Earlier this year, 19-year-old Sophie Pearce from Braunstone shared her terrifying ordeal of her drink being spiked with a date-rape drug. She woke up the next day in hospital having suffered three seizures.
Leicestershire Police said the force is aware of the reports.
A spokesman said: “We would encourage anyone who believes their drink may have been spiked or they have been injected to report their concerns immediately to the management of the premises they may be in. They can then ensure it’s reported and appropriate support is offered to individuals.”
The force said it was working closely with licensing teams at Leicestershire’s local authorities to ensure premises were aware of the incidents and took appropriate action if any reports were received.
Anyone going out for drinks is advised to have a “drinks buddy”, rather than drinking alone, and to keep an eye out for friends.
Chief Superintendent Shane O’Neill said: “Spiking, where someone adds drugs or alcohol to another person’s drink or injects them without their knowing, is illegal.
“Whether it’s done as a prank or with the intent to steal from or assault the victim, we want people to be vigilant. “If you’re drinking with strangers, be aware of what’s happening around you, and if you have any suspicions about someone report them to staff immediately. Plus it’s always good to have a drinks buddy - if you’re out with a friend or friends, keep an eye out for them. If they appear to be more drunk than you’d expect, dizzy or slurring their words, take control and make sure they’re okay.
“If you’re concerned, make sure they either get medical help or get home safely.”
I was in our students’ union. I don’t remember actually getting spiked, I just remember going dizzy and collapsing
Student who claims she was spiked