Oxford student cleared of hitting researcher with D-Lock

Oxford student cleared of attack on researcher


A master’s student at Oxford University has been cleared of hitting a researcher with a D-lock.

Cyclist Luke Wilmshurt had denied causing actual bodily harm and criminal damages, after an incident which left researcher, Sapan Gandhi, with a three-centimetre wound and in need of staples. The incident occurred on 15th June last year after Wilmshurst’s bike nearly collided with Gandhi’s Vauxhall car outside the Biochemistry Department.

The incident took place outside Oxford’s biochemistry department

Wilmshurt, who is short-sighted, had claimed that it had been an accident resulting from his attempt to use the D-lock to motion Gandhi away. He insisted that he did not mean to hit Gandhi, stating that he “was very shocked when it made contact”.

Wilmshurt denied that he intended to hit the complainant, and claimed to be afraid of Gandhi at the time of the incident, stating that he was “very aggressive, very angry and very hostile”.

The 41 year-old was studying for a master’s degree when the incident took place. He was found not guilty last week.