Last updated: 21/05/08
Drunk Nutter

Shocked drinkers saw their union president head butt a fellow student.

Hundreds were packed into University of Central Lancashire campus bar Source when sozzled Students’ Union president Chris Lowden lashed out.

Stocky Lowden knocked back several pints before Joe Calzaghe’s boxing match against Bernard Hopkins on April 19.

The rugby player then started his own heavy weight bout after head butting a reveller at the bar.

Eyewitnesses state that a scuffle involving around ten people had to be broken up by bouncers and bar staff.

Now outraged students have slammed UCLAN’s decision to suspend him for just two days.

Law student Corbin Luby said: “I think it’s appalling. He should have been suspended for a lot longer. It should have been months rather than days.

“It’s disgusting and the police should have been told because it’s an assault.”

It is the latest example of alcohol fuelled violence at the university. In the first semester 10 males were suspended in similar circumstances.

Eyewitness Mike Grady, who was a few feet from the brawl, was shocked when he found out it was his president fighting. “It was a pretty rowdy night with the boxing on,” he said.

“Somebody barged in, pushed to the front of the queue then somebody tapped him on the shoulder and nutted him.

“The guy didn’t really stumble much then there was a big scuffle. Everybody started fighting untill they got pulled apart and got kicked out. It was quite eventful because nothing like that happens. I have never seen anybody fighting in there before."

Another eyewitness who wishes to remain anonymous said, "There was a mass of people, 10. I think it was a few of his mates. There was a big kafuffle and everybody crowded round and it was heaving. The guy stumbled back. He was quite big. They were all kicked out."

Lowden worked from home during his suspension from 5pm on Monday April 21 to 3pm on Wednesday April 23. He has been banned from Students’ Union bar Source and nightclub 53 Degrees until the end of the year. He also received a final warning from university bosses, meaning he could be expelled if he steps out of line again.

Final year broadcast journalism student Craig Laycock thinks the punishment is not harsh enough. He said: “Maybe the boxing on the TV spurred him on and he had a rush of blood to the head. But for him to head butt somebody is totally wrong.”

“He’s supposed to be in a position of responsibility and power setting an example. He should have found a peaceful resolution.”

Lowden said he will continue working as SU president until June 31.

by Ricki Dewsbury