Student Violence Continues
A St Hilda's student was knocked to the ground and robbed early last Sunday morning, in the latest of a series of violent attacks against Oxford students.
The incident occurred on Magdalen Bridge at approximately 1.15am, while the student was walking back to her College. The alleged assailant, who was later found to be carrying a bent screwdriver, attacked his victim from behind and proceeded to run off with her bag.
The Hilda's student, whose identity is being withheld by the college, gave chase and managed to attract the attention of a passing police van. The police then took over the pursuit and were able to arrest the man involved.
Paul Day, 24, of Cowley Road has been charged with robbery and appeared before Oxford Crown court last Friday where he pleaded not guilty. A representative of the Crown Court described the charge as "very serious" but was unable to speculate about any possible sentence. Day is presently being remanded in custody awaiting a further hearing.
Dr. Hilkka Helevuo, the Bursar of St Hilda's, who last week issued a statement to the entire college warning students to be "extra vigilant", told The OxStu that "obviously St Hilda's is very concerned by the attack; student safety is paramount."
Oxford CID stressed that the incident is not symptomatic of a rise in crime. Victoria Bartlett, External Communications Officer, told The OxStu: "Most robberies are not planned, but carried out by offenders who see a chance and take it. Offences have in fact gone down by eight per cent this year".
26th Feb 2004