No action over drunken attack

No action will be taken against a 21-year-old student who attacked a Wakari woman and vandalised her home.

Police confirmed yesterday no charges would be laid against the student after she drunkenly attacked Ivy Ding in her Dunedin home about midnight last Saturday.

The student threw pot plants around the property, threw a rock at a car, smashed a window with her shoe and grabbed Ms Ding through the frame.

Police informed Ms Ding, on the night and in a later email, the woman would not be charged as "she was so intoxicated that she was completely disoriented and confused at the time, and was unaware of what she was doing".

The matter was referred to the University of Otago proctor, but the Otago Daily Times understands no action will be taken.

A police spokesman said the attending officers' handling of the case was reviewed but no further action would be taken.

"A senior officer has completed a review ... and that has resulted in police standing by the original decision made by the attending officers," he said.

"Police have spoken with both parties in the matter and have advised them of the outcome.

"Police acknowledge that the victim has been affected by this incident, and will continue to offer her support where we can."

The ODT understands the student was given a pre-charge warning.

The matter was brought to the attention of the university proctor, as the 21-year-old studies accounting at the university.

A University of Otago spokeswoman confirmed the proctor was contacted about the incident, but would not comment on what action was taken, saying: "That's all I can say"

An email to Ms Ding from the proctor explained the university would not be taking action against the student.

A High Court appeal process has established that the code of conduct may apply off campus but only if there is "a nexus or connection between the offence and the University", the email said.

"In this case, there is no connection to the university and the code of conduct would not apply.

"However, if a class of students were to travel as part of a university-sponsored course and behave in a similar way, then there certainly is a connection with the university and the code would apply.

"From what I understand of the unfortunate incident that you were involved in, there is no connection with the university other than the fact that the young woman is a student here.

"The court has said that simply because an offender is a student, that is not a sufficient connection for the code to apply.

"I can only suggest that you work directly with police to come to an agreeable resolution to this matter."

Ms Ding said she was disappointed no further action would be taken.

"This is my private property. She's broken into and harmed me," she said.

"Try to think about it from my point of view. I asked them if this happened to you would you take it?' and nobody answered."

The 21-year-old had not contacted her or apologised.

Police offered to set up a meeting between the two but Ms Ding was not yet ready.

"That girl's picture is in my nightmares every night and I'm just not ready to see her."

 

 

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