Duncan Down?
DUNCAN BALDWIN'S DAYS at Merton College may be numbered, as the college's Disciplinary Committee recommended on 15th November that he be rusticated.
It is now expected that Warden and Tutor's Committee will ratify the decision on Wednesday 21st November.
Duncan Baldwin, a second year historian and former captain of Merton College Boat Club, faced charges of violent and offensive behaviour, relating to three separate incidents. The most recent case came in Noughth Week this term, when Baldwin threw a glass at the wall of his living room as he wished party goers to disperse.
Another incident occurred when the result of the JCR Presidential election
was announced in Trinity Term. Angry that his preferred candidate had lost, Baldwin smashed a glass in Front Quad.
In his defence, Baldwin claimed that though he recognised the incidents as "all silly and seriously unwise", no one was hurt or directly threatened,
"though some people might find me threatening". However, he argued he had learnt from his mistakes, saying that , "This term I have been drinking a hell of a lot less".
One aspect of the case against Duncan Baldwin is that he felt he had already been punished for each of the three separate incidents. Two last year were dealt with by the former Principal of the Postmasters, Tom Stoneham. This year, the new PoP Professor Judith Armitage, told Baldwin that this was his last chance to improve his behaviour, after she banned him from all social events where alcohol was available.
Even so, several weeks later the incidents were brought up again when Armitage brought a charge of harassment against Baldwin, which was dropped by Disciplinary Committee. Judith Armitage was not able to comment on issues of double jeopardy or any other aspect of the case, as proceedings were "strictly confidential".
JCR officals were also unwilling to express an opinion. President Chris
Akrill said "the JCR was not involved - it's a private matter between Duncan and the college". Emily Whitehead, Information Officer, explained further. "Duncan was welcome to choose Exec members to represent him", adding that he selected Welfare Officer Rose Pennels.
23rd Nov 2000