By Erica Sesay
A KU student involved in the London riots has escaped a full jail sentence – and held onto his place at university.
Pierre Wilkinson, 21, who studies broadcast and television, had his sentence reduced to four months. A longer sentence would have risked him being kicked out of Kingston University due to its strict policy on crime.
Judge Ian Darling told Inner London Crown Court: “I am told if you go back into custody, you will have lost your place at university and all you have worked for. I must consider if, in truth, that’s justified by your behaviour.”
Wilkinson and his accomplice Frederick Osei, 22, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods but the prosecution offered no evidence on a burglary charge.
Osei was jailed for six months.
Kingston’s student affairs department refused to comment on the case.