Student doctors ‘snorted cocaine off toilets and stole statue’ at spring ball
Student doctors who ‘wrecked’ a Grade I-listed mansion during their spring ball face prosecution, university chiefs have warned.
Partygoers snorted cocaine off toilets, stole a rare bronze statue, ripped hand driers off walls and smashed three antique mahogany tables, it is claimed.
Organiser Galenicals — the University of Bristol Medical Students’ Society — has been banned from the host venue, 303-year-old Kings Weston House.
Uni bosses are investigating and have warned attendees in a letter that the culprits could face police action, while their careers may be affected.
The house’s owner, John Barbey, told student news site The Tab: ‘At one point, people were dancing on the Italian sideboard in the ballroom. There was widespread drunkenness, with many guests rude to the staff.’
The bash on March 12 was billed as ‘a good time all round’ with live music and fairground rides.
But one partygoer said it was out of control before it had even begun.
‘Galenicals had sold hundreds of tickets over-capacity. I spent about an hour and a half in the rain waiting to get inside into the event alongside about 50 other medics, one of whom had fallen over in the shove to get inside’, they said.
‘She was bleeding and crying, the security guards refused her entry.’
Bristol university said ‘unacceptable behaviour’ at the party was ‘incredibly disappointing’ – but added that most guests had behaved impeccably.
Tuition fees will be used to repay Kings Weston House to ensure some of the cost is met by the perpetrators, a spokesman revealed.
A statement read: ‘We are investigating and considering what appropriate action needs to be taken.’
In an email to medical students, the Programme Directors and Senior Tutors confirmed there was ‘evidence of vandalism, theft and drug taking’.
They reminded the students that they are held to the standards of the General Medical Council and could even face criminal prosecution if uncovered.
‘This can have consequences for your future’, they said. ‘We don’t say this to frighten you needlessly, but rather because we need you all to be aware of the consequences – as individuals – of your actions.’
University of Bristol Students’ Union, which runs Galenicals, has been contacted for comment.
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