Should Charged Suspects be Admitted to University

I appeared on BBC Scotland’s The Nine show with Gary Robertson on Thursday to discuss the case of convicted rapist Daniel McFarlane. He and his victim were studying together at the University of Glasgow when the attack happened. After the crime was reported – and McFarlane charged – he left Glasgow Univ but enrolled at the University of Edinburgh. Some think this should not have been allowed to happen

A very difficult issue while accused people are entitled to the presumption of innocence. This victim’s allegation was proved to a high standard to be true. On the other hand, as recently as last month a female in Cumbria was convicted of making multiple false claims of rape – one of which resulted in a totally innocent youth spending 3 months in jail. It would have been a greater crime had he been expelled from university on the basis of a false allegation too

As a society we punish people when guilt is proved – not before.

Interested to know what others think

I should say I mean no disrespect in referring the young lady as ‘the victim’. I know that she has bravely waved her right to anonimity – but that’s her right – not mine