London/Newcastle: An Indian student studying at Northumbria University, Newcastle, has been convicted for breaking into a woman’s room and committing an obscene act while she was away. The student, 18-year-old Udkarsh Yadav, was found guilty after DNA evidence linked him to the crime, shocking the university community and raising questions about student housing security.
According to reports, Yadav gained access to the victim’s university-managed accommodation during the Christmas holidays. He entered her room using a faulty gym keycard that wrongly granted him access. Once inside, he masturbated on her bed covers and teddy bears, leaving behind what prosecutors described as a “crusty white substance.”
The victim returned to her room after the holidays and made the disturbing discovery. A police investigation was launched, during which DNA from the substance was matched to Yadav. Additionally, electronic logs confirmed Yadav’s entry into the room at the time of the offence.
Yadav initially refused to comment during questioning but later admitted to the crime when presented with DNA evidence. The court heard that he was “overcome with desire” and had knowingly exploited the faulty keycard.
At Northumbria Crown Court, Yadav was handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, attend a rehabilitation programme, and pay £117 in compensation for the damage caused to the woman’s bedding and toys. The judge noted that while the act was deeply distressing for the victim, Yadav’s age and previous good character were taken into account during sentencing.
The university has since removed Yadav from campus accommodation. His legal team indicated that he intends to continue his studies in the UK, despite potential visa complications stemming from his conviction.
