University 'initiation rituals' investigated

A police investigation found insufficient evidence of the alleged offences

A university has defended itself against claims of sexual and physical abuse during rugby club initiations.

The Telegraph reported Harper Adams University near Newport, Shropshire, had allowed “endemic physical abuse” to occur during hazing ceremonies in the last five years.

Vice-chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “Any acts or words which harm or humiliate others are not and will never be acceptable in our community."

West Mercia Police said there was "insufficient evidence to prove any criminal offences had taken place".

The article in the Telegraph described rituals in which students were sexually abused, lashed with belts, had cigarettes stubbed out on their backs, and forced to consume bodily waste.

The newspaper claimed it had seen official documents reporting the social events to university officials, amid student concerns they were “becoming dangerous”.

The student who raised the claims told the investigation, as reported in the Telegraph, that the practices were "extensive and endemic" and had caused lasting harm.

Writing on the Harper Adams website, the vice-chancellor said: “Despite journalists being in possession of the confidential full investigation report, we were disappointed they chose not to present the full facts of this case or the significant work we had undertaken to ensure everyone’s experience is based on respect”.

He added: “This case had shocked and saddened all involved", and said: "Concern for the student is paramount."

Professor Ken Sloan said the university was committed to preventing the incidents from being repeated

The university said it was determined to “prevent events like this one, which took place a number of years ago, from being repeated".

It also said it did not accept that poor student behaviour could be passed off as “just tradition”, as claimed in the newspaper article.

West Mercia Police said it had “carried out a detailed and thorough investigation into allegations of abuse involving students at Harper Adams University between February and December 2022".

It said that during its investigation, an "experienced detective" worked closely with the university's safeguarding officer, the local safer neighbourhood team and a licensing officer to investigate the claims.

But the force said there was insufficient evidence to prove any criminal offences had taken place.

It said: “We take all reports of physical and sexual abuse incredibly seriously and will always pursue all lines of inquiry to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of when the offences took place."

The force also said it encouraged the victims of any sexual offence to come forward and speak to officers, even if the offences happened a number of years ago.