A first year civil engineering student who entered a flatmate’s bedroom and carried out a sex act over her bed has been sentenced.
Udkarsh Yadav’s DNA was found over his female flatmate’s Jellycats and bedding at Trinity Square accommodation in Gateshead.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Yadav, age 18, exploited a major security vulnerability in the accommodation’s electronic access system, Chronicle Live reports.
He obtained a gym card which had been mistakenly programmed to open every room in the student accommodation block. While his flatmate was away for the Christmas break, Yadav used this card to burgle her room and commit the offence.
Prosecutor Jennifer Coxon said: “He admitted the offence, stating he was overcome with desire to burgle the room and he was aware that the gym cards were set up incorrectly, which allowed access to all rooms.”
via Northumbria Police
Yadav pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to cause criminal damage.
Recorder Mark McKone KC said: “It really is hard to imagine what was going through the defendant’s mind when he did this.
“This was a disgusting and selfish thing to do. You must have know the stress this would cause.
“This was her first time away from home. She was left shaken over the thought you (carried out a sex act) while looking at pictures of her on the wall.”
Beyond the disturbing nature of the crime itself, the case also provokes serious concerns about security in privately run student accommodation. The fact that a fault in the card system allowed unrestricted access to every room raises questions about how such a critical error went undetected and for how long it may have posed a risk to residents.
via Google Maps
Yadav received a 14 month sentence suspended for two years. He must complete rehabilitation, 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £117 in compensation for the damaged belongings.
Defence lawyer Shada Mellor said Yadav’s father owns a construction company in India, and that Yadav had come to the UK to study civil engineering with hopes to “leave a lasting impact on the world.” She described his actions as “wholly out of character.”
Since the incident, Yadav has been removed from university accommodation and told to find alternative housing. His visa status remains uncertain, as “the university has said they will consider that position following the sentencing hearing.”
Featured image via Northumbria Police and Google Maps
