Daijiworld Media Network - Newcastle

Newcastle, Jun 24: In a shocking incident, an 18-year-old Indian student pursuing civil engineering at Northumbria University, UK, has been handed a suspended jail sentence after he broke into a fellow undergraduate’s room and committed a lewd act on her personal belongings.

Udkarsh Yadav exploited a gym keycard mistakenly programmed to access all student rooms, a critical error by university staff. Using the card, he unlawfully entered the room of a first-year female student during the Christmas break.

Upon returning, the young woman found a "crusted white substance" on her bed cover and teddy bears, leading to a police investigation. Forensic tests confirmed Yadav’s DNA at the scene, and he later confessed to masturbating in the room, claiming he was “overcome with desire” after seeing photos of the student on her wall.

The case, which came up for hearing at the Newcastle Crown Court, saw Judge Mark McKone KC express disbelief and strong condemnation. “This was her first time away from home. She was left shaken over the thought you masturbated while looking at pictures of her on the wall. This was a disgusting and selfish thing to do,” the judge said.

Yadav was convicted of burglary with intent to cause criminal damage. While he was sentenced to 14 months in prison, the term has been suspended for two years. He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid community service, attend rehabilitation sessions, and pay £117 (approximately Rs 14,000) in compensation to the victim for the ruined bedding and toys.

Defence lawyer Shada Mellor said the act was “wholly out of character” and cited immaturity as a contributing factor. She also highlighted that Yadav, who came to the UK to pursue education and a future career, now faces academic expulsion and the risk of deportation if his student visa is revoked.

Following the incident, Northumbria University relocated Yadav and confirmed it is reviewing his student status. A university spokesperson said, “The keycard issue has been resolved, and more stringent access controls are now in place. Any student found in breach of university regulations will be dealt with under our robust disciplinary framework.”

The traumatic episode has forced the victim to move out of her accommodation, and she is currently staying with a friend.