Free Word 706
gairrhydd Cardiff’s Student Weekly
Monday 26 November 2001
COOL CYMRU
MUSE-ING IT OVER
RHYTHM AND BLUES
Features uncovers the Welsh fashion scene
Music ponder the gods of rock in Newport
Arts get jazzy with Jools Holland
BEST CAMPAIGNING NEWSPAPER IN THE GUARDIAN STUDENT MEDIA AWARDS
Students bottled by thugs on Union steps
Cardiff student beaten unconscious in an unprovoked attack by Lydia Kirby Four Cardiff University students were subjected to a vicious attack by a gang of men outside the union last Tuesday night. The students, all in their first year, were on their way home from a night out in Zeus when they were approached by five males by the steps of the Union on Park Place. The two groups exchanged friendly chat when, to the complete surprise of the students, one of the group members brought out a bottle and hit student Rupert Hyde over the head. Rupert was knocked unconscious as he was beaten repeatedly over the head with the broken bottle. His three friends were then kicked and punched by other members of the group. Despite their injuries the students were eventually able to ward off two of the attackers and make their way back to University Hall. Rupert Hyde, who regained consciousness a few minutes after the attack, was shocked by the events. He said, “It was totally unprovoked. One minute we were talking to them and then suddenly they started to beat us up. Once two of them had run away the other three were willing to shake hands and let us go on our way but I was amazed that people used such violence.” Security at University Hall spotted Rupert, whose head was bleeding from the attack, and took him to hospital where he was given several stitches and diagnosed with concussion. Another of his friends received a black eye and bruising from the attack. Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer, Rohan Tambyraja, was appalled by the incident but stressed that Cardiff Union is still
one of the safest places in Cardiff. He said, “We have more security than any other nightclub or bar in the city and have as much CCTV as the union can afford. This attack occurred at around 1.30 am when there is less security, but there were patrol officers and something may have been picked up on our security cameras.” Student liaison officer, PC Bob Keohane added, ‘It is very important that, as in this case, victims tell someone about the attack. The Cardiff Police service works closely alongside the union to keep students safe.’ He added, “The union has CCTV cameras all around the campus that are connected to the security centre and to the central Cardiff police station. If students ever feel threatened they should telephone the police or University Security centre on (029) 2087 4444.” Following recent attacks on students in Cardiff, including the rape of a third year female in October of this year, Cardiff University is linking up with South Wales police to inform students how best to keep safe. Last week the first formal student safety week was launched with safety alarms and crook locks on sale in the union. Cardiff University is now in the process of organising self defence classes and distributing crime prevention material, including marker pens to protect property, to all first year students. Communications Officer, Elaye Clark said, ‘Safety is something we take very seriously and it is always on the agenda, but recent events have meant we felt the message should be reinforced.’ Information about personal safety can be found in the Student Advice Centre on the third floor of the Union building.
Debauched scenes at auction shock Solus
AU SLAVE AUCTION: Every bit as dirty as its infamous reputation
The annual Athletic Union Buy Yourself A Servant night came once again to Solus last Wednesday for a hilarious night of nudity, revelry and drunken antics. And, in keeping with the prehistoric theme, sports members bared more of themselves than they bargained for.
Full story: page 3
RALLY FEVER COMES TO CARDIFF : SEE PAGE 2