Kingston University is facing serious questions about the way it protects its students after it admitted allowing a student who had been charged with drugs offences back on campus, where he was then caught selling drugs to freshers. 

Arafath Ahmed (above), 21, a law student at Kingston University, was jailed for 15 months on the 17th October after admitting dealing drugs during Freshers’ Week. It was Ahmed’s second offence, who was charged with possession with intent to supply in June, when he was a Media Technology student. Ahmed was bailed for the offence and remained at University, where he changed his course.

A University spokesperson said: “We understand Mr Ahmed had not advised admissions staff of the charge pending.” But the case has raised questions about how the University protects their students and staff from those charged with serious criminal offences. The University said: “The University will take appropriate action to safeguard [student] well-being.” 

There are currently three students who are fully suspended due to being under criminal investigation or convicted of a serious offence.  However, the University was unable to comment on the nature of these offences. 

Leicester-born Ahmed, was arrested on 22 September when police were called to Clayhill student halls of residence because of the suspicious activities of a car driven by Ahmed and his three passengers.  He had three mobile phones and £220 in cash in his possession. 

Police also recovered a rucksack containing 35 individual snap bags of cannabis and correspondence addressed to Ahmed from the University Law School.  On searching his home address, police discovered a large quantity of snap bags, digital scales, body armour and knuckle dusters.  The offence came just three months after Ahmed had been found carrying cannabis with a street value of £1,800.

At Kingston Crown Court, Ahmed’s defence counsel, John Donnolly, stated that mounting student debts and a £100 a week drug habit had forced Ahmed into making a disastrous decision to continue in his actions. However, the judge said that between the first and second offences, his involvement in drug dealing had clearly escalated from gopher to supplier.  

Her Honour, Judge Barnes rejected Ahmed’s defence plea of naivety and said: “I see your actions as arrogant.” She added “You see strong cannabis as fine. It is not fine.  It destroys lives”.  On his future career prospects the judge said that despite having wit, talent and intelligence, he had decimated any chance of entering the law profession.   

Ahmed will be tried for further drug related offences in spring 2009.