Durham University withdraws student's offer after 'abhorrent' competition for 'posh lads to have sex with poorest girl'

A student has had his offer to study at Durham University withdrawn after he was investigated for making "utterly abhorrent" comments on social media.

Claims were made earlier this month that a group of soon-to-be freshers at the university had plans online to hold a competition for “posh lads” to have sex with the “poorest girl on campus”.

Fellow students alerted university authorities to the group, called “Durham Boys Making All The Noise”, after a selection of its messages were leaked, student news site The Tab reported.

An inquiry was launched after screenshots from various online chats were shared on the Overheard at Durham Uni Facebook page.

One commented to the group: “Have I told you about the posh lads competing on f****** the poorest girl.”

Another wrote George Floyd, the black man who died during his arrest by white police officers in the US, “had it coming”.

Following the university’s investigation which involved a lawyer and an ex-police officer, one student has had his place at Durham withdrawn.

The police have been informed about others using pseudonyms to pose as undergraduates while trying to sell tickets to non-existent events.

Student Lydia Gibson, who exposed the posts, told BBC Newcastle she still had some concerns.

"Saying only one person has violated the requirements of their offer is a little bit disappointing," she said.

"I'm not saying everyone should have their offer revoked but I definitely believe there is more than one person involved in this who deserves serious repercussions."

Jeremy Cook, pro-vice-chancellor with responsibility for colleges and student experience, said: “Recently Durham University was made aware of some utterly abhorrent comments on social media purported to have been posted by Durham students.

“As we said at the time, we condemn the content and behaviour demonstrated in these social media posts, which is entirely unacceptable and violates the values and behaviours that we uphold as a University community.”

He added: “As a result of this investigation, which was conducted under the University’s Admissions Policy, one male who was due to begin studying at Durham University next month has, in accordance with the terms of their offer, had their offer withdrawn.

“This was due to his behaviour falling short of the values we uphold, as reflected in our regulations.”

Mr Cook said two others were found not to have broken the rules and can start their studies, while others were investigated and were found not to have any association with the university.

He added: “However, our investigation also found evidence of individuals seemingly acting under pseudonyms, falsely claiming to be Durham University students and instigating social media conversations in order to fraudulently sell tickets for non-existent student events, including during Induction Week.

“We find this behaviour deeply concerning and have reported our concerns to the police.”

He said investigations were continuing into other comments.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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