Woodstock ends in violence
James Pullen, a final year English and Philosophy student, was rushed to York District Hospital by ambulance after suffering extensive facial injuries during the attack in a crowded Vanbrugh bar.
The incident took place on Saturday night at around 11.45pm. Andy Cooper, head of Doorsafe (the student security service), described how members of his team saw three men beating Mr Pullen to the ground.
Doorsafe quickly apprehended two of the individuals before they could leave the bar. The third man, “the one who’d done the most damage” according to Mr Cooper, quickly fled the scene.
“A description was put out on the radio…the guy was quite easy to identify so [a member of Doorsafe] followed him,” said Mr Cooper. He was tackled on Heslington Road and forcibly returned to Vanbrugh bar, while Police were called.
The three men were arrested at the scene and interviewed at Fulford Police Station. “This is a clear case of ABH and the penalties could be severe,” said Sergeant Wilkinson, spokesperson for Fulford Police.
“Apparently Mr Pullen tried to intervene when a friend was harassed, but ended up as the victim of the assault. He was left with a bruised and bleeding face after being punched and kicked repeatedly,” he added.
The three first year students, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were released on bail and are due to appear before York Magistrates Court on Wednesday 23 June. They could face custodial sentences, fines or damages to Mr Pullen if convicted. The University would also consider disciplinary action. “We take this kind of thing very, very seriously,” said a spokesperson.
Woodstock organiser and RAG President Ellie Murch praised Doorsafe’s response: “they kept control very professionally for the 20 minutes before the police made arrests.” “It’s a prime example of why we should have Doorsafe,” commented Student Union President Chris Jones, “It also shows just how good they are.”
Mr Cooper seemed unfazed by the events. “It’s quite often we end up dealing with mess after it’s happened so its just nice to catch the people involved,” he said.
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