We recently successfully assisted a client who had been expelled following a Disciplinary Hearing. The University’s case was that our client’s conduct, which related to behaviour of being drunk and disorderly and allegedly being threatening and abusive to security staff, warranted his expulsion from the University.
We sought to prepare our client’s appeal. We identified a number of procedural irregularities in the way in which the Disciplinary Hearing took place, referring to breaches of the rules of natural justice. However, upon consideration of the case it was noted that many of the statements against our client referred to alleged evidence on CCTV. After consideration it was decided that to request and consider the CCTV footage. Upon receiving and examining the CCTV footage it was apparent that whilst our client’s behaviour was poor, there was no threatening or abusive behaviour to the extent suggested by the University’s witness statements.
Following consideration of his appeal our client was ultimately successful in that his expulsion was unanimously overturned and he was instead suspended for one academic year. In the circumstances this was an extremely positive outcome and allowed him to have the chance to ultimately continue and complete his Degree at the University.
