Aberdeen University has referred a number of medical students to a ‘fitness to practice’ watchdog after their boozy antics ruined a couple’s wedding reception.
The students have now been left fearing for their academic futures.
Newly-married Ellon couple, Lee and Lucy Gilray, held their reception at the Hilton Treetops hotel in Aberdeen in November, at the same time as the Aberdeen University Medical Society had a social function at the venue.
However, their evening took a turn for the worse when the students’ party spiralled out of control, leaving guests frightened and feeling threatened.
As the students “rampaged” through the wedding reception, the groom’s grandmother was hospitalised after falling down stairs trying to flee from the melee.
The university completed its four-month investigation into the matter yesterday.
A spokeswoman for the university said: “Our investigation under the Code of Practice on Student Discipline has found that the behaviour shown by some guests fell way below the standards we expect from our students.
“We have worked with the Medical Society to ensure that those involved are fully aware of the consequences of their actions, which caused unacceptable alarm and distress.
“The process of pointing out misconduct, and how it has been perceived by others, through our investigation has been instructive to both students and doctors.
“A number of ball attendees have also been referred for consideration under the Medical School’s fitness to practice process which focuses on standards of professionalism.
“We would like to thank those affected for their time and assistance in our investigation into what has been a deeply regrettable experience for them.”
A spokesman for the Aberdeen University Medical Society said: “We were deeply saddened by what occurred and have sent our sincere apologies to the family.
“The society strongly condemns anti-social behaviour of any kind.
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“While the majority of our guests behaved in an appropriate manner that night, we have sent a strong message to our members that we must be aware that we are representing both the medical profession and university at these events.
“We will continue to work with the university to minimise the likelihood of issues of this kind happening again.”
The university’s ‘fitness to practice’ declaration states it retains the right to terminate the studies of students whose “conduct falls below the standard expected by the public, the university, and the General Medical Council.”
