A Cambridge University staff member was assaulted last Sunday at The Place nightclub (formerly known as Life). The attack resulted in a minor head injury.

James Appleton, who is currently employed as boatman at Christ’s College, spoke to Varsity about the night out with his girlfriend and three other friends when a young man and Cambridge graduate, who appeared to be excessively drunk, tried to force his way into Appleton’s circle on the dance floor.

An altercation ensued after the man refused to leave and, according to Appleton, groped him from behind. After Appleton grabbed the man’s wrist and pushed him away he received a blow to the head with a glass bottle, leaving an open wound on the side of his head.

The man tried to run away after the assault, but was chased down by Appleton himself, who did not want his attacker to escape before the police had arrived. Two friends were with the man who Appleton claims “remained unapologetic for their friend’s behaviour and continued to taunt me.”

The assailant was charged with causing grievous bodily harm, but was released, as Appleton chose not to pursue court proceedings. He said the attacker was likely “out of character” due to excessive alcohol intake, as he appeared to be “incredibly remorseful” afterwards. Nevertheless, he continued, “people should take responsibility for their actions.”

Appleton, who is a graduate of Girton College, placed the incident in the context of a larger trend of irresponsible alcohol use that “can result in situations that people may later regret... students should be a little more conscious of how much they’re drinking, and how that affects their behaviour.”

The Place nightclub could not be reached for comment as of Sunday evening.