UEA footballers get off to a winning start. See page 24 Issue 141 ·Wednesday, October 2, 2002
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PROTEST AGAINST FRESHERS LECTURES CALLS on the University to start term a week earlier to allow a full Freshers' Week are reaching their peak. Last week, the Union launched a campaign, which is UEA's biggest since antiapartheid demonstrations in the 1980's, to put a stop to lectures during the first week of term, writes Rebecca Lawrence.
Man pleadS guilty to manslaughter for UEA death CONCRETE can exclusively reveal that the killer charged with murder at the LCR early this year has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The news shocking news occured after Andrew McPhee's trial at Norwich Crown Court yesterday. He was warned that a jail sentence for the vicious assault on Richard Walls, which took place on Saturday March 9 was inevitable. Me Phee, 20, of Northfields Norwich, who had previously pleaded not guilty, denied murder, but changed his plee to manslaughter. Judge David Melior has adjourned the case until October 28 when McPhee's punishment will be decided. In the meantime he has been granted unconditional bail. The 29 year old victim, Richard Walls, was attending the trance
REBECCA LAWRENCE News Editor
night, Pam's House, with a 1000 other clubbers. But his evening ended in tragedy when he was fatally attacked after receiving several blows to the head, while in the LCR. The death occurred between the dance floor and the bar soon after midnight. Union Security Officers formed a ring around the area of the attack while the dance event continued. Richard, who worked as a supervisor at Banham Poultry, was given first aid on the scene until paramedics arrived. He was then taken by ambulance to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, but later died of his injuries. Richard's parents Peter and Judith Walls, and his 24-year-old brother Stephen said they were shattered at the news of their
loved one's death, but had been greatly comforted by the support they had received from the local community and all those who new and loved him. A witness, who was also at the LCR event, described how people continued to enjoy the evening, while Richard was treated by first aid staff before the area was sectioned off. When police held the crowd behind nobody seemed to know what had happened. Colleague Alan Hicks, who worked at the Banham Poultry said Richard enjoyed the club atmosphere but did not take drugs. Jane Radcliffe, who once lived with Richard at his home at Catton Hall Flats, SI Faiths Road, Norwich, recalls a good friend who liked many styles of music from garage and house to the Stone Roses. ·"I moved away but we kept in touch and were very good friends. He was always there for me. He was simply a top guy."
This year, first years have to attend lectures, at the same time as getting used to their new lives at University. As well as handing out leaflets on campus, the rally has had huge national coverage, appearing on the front page of the Daily Telegraph yesterday, as well as in the Times. The Union has also spoken to four radio stations, including Radio 5 live, and Radio Wales. Union Communications Officer Ned Glasier claims this is the biggest issue in terms of the Union's membership. "So far, we've received over 1000 signatures for our petition. We are delighted with the response to the campaign. lt is one of the most high profile protests of recent times and I am confident that the University will not ignore what most students see as a reasonable demand." So far, the Union has only had feedback from the University through the national newspaper coverage. "There is a set review process, which we will take our campaign to," added Ned. But University spokeswoman, Annie Ogden has defended the continued on page 2
Meet the orwich based fir fighters pro est·n e 10 for b ter pay •