A woman is angry with her former university after it punished a student who broke her nose by telling him to write an apology letter.

Meg McGrath, 22, did not think that was sufficient enough for the man who headbutted her for no reason in a nightclub in Sheffield, on March 11.

Sheffield University chose not to expel the student after he was given a police caution following the incident.

Meg McGrath, 22, shortly after her attack in March 2018 (Picture: Mercury)

It suspended him for three weeks, made him to write an apology letter and attend an alcohol awareness course.


Ms McGrath, from Banstead, Surrey, said: ‘It’s disgusting. Dealing with an assault this leniently gives off the message that it’s not important.

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‘I want to share just how incredibly disappointing, frustrating and inadequate the university’s disciplinary process has been while dealing with the student that assaulted me.



‘As a result, I wouldn’t currently recommend people seeking justice through the university.

‘Many female students from different universities have said they have experienced the same thing since I’ve spoken publicly.’

Meg McGraths nose was broken Picture: Mercury)

Ms McGrath was headbutted after she asked an innocent question about paint on the student’s shirt.

She was left with a deviated septum, a scar and is unable to breathe through one of her nostrils.

She will also need another operation in December.

Ms McGrath added: ‘He smashed his forehead into the bridge of my nose, I had blood pouring out.’

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Meg McGrath was not happy with how Sheffield University acted Picture: Mercury)

She has now set up a petition urging universities to take violence more seriously, which is close to reaching its target of 10,000 signatures.

Ms McGrath hoped a meeting with the university’s deputy vice chancellor Gill Valentine would prove fruitful after he promised to review the case.

She said: ‘We have seen people get expelled for forging sick notes or for copying and pasting a few sentences.’

A University of Sheffield spokesperson said: ‘This distressing incident has been considered as a serious matter by the university.

‘Following a police investigation, student disciplinary procedures were undertaken in line with Universities UK guidance.

‘Whilst the university is not at liberty to disclose the outcome of confidential disciplinary proceedings, it does not in any way condone behaviour which imperils the safety and respect of members of our student community.’

‘The University will be reviewing our processes and sanctions to ensure that these are appropriate for all circumstances, including those where there is no criminal prosecution.’

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