Lecturer admits to fake online profile in Madras row
Secret snooping backfires on Dr Rendell
A St Andrews lecturer has admitted to creating a fake online persona in a bid to scoop dirt on the company halting the new Madras build.
Dr Luke Rendell was trying to uncover info regarding St Andrews Environmental Protection Association Limited after they challenged the £40 Million Madras College Application.
The Biology lecturer feared the organisation was “trying to damage” his son’s education by delaying the building of the new campus. He confessed: “It was an inept attempt to try and find out more information.
“I was acting entirely alone and it is the only time I have ever used a fictional persona in my life.”
Dr Rendell attempted to contact STEPAL under the name “Rory Malcolm” requesting financial information in return for a generous fictional financial contribution to the cause.
He was then caught out by a read receipt on gmail that revealed his true identity.
But vigilante Rendell still thinks his actions were just. He said: ”I apologise for my methods but stand by my motives as a parent.”
Dr Rendell has spearheaded the campaign for a new Madras College at Pipeland.
But his unethical snooping in a bid to sabotage STEPAL’s economic integrity has landed him in hot water.
Three former teachers at Madras and founders of STEPAL have opposed the Fife Council plan to build a new single site college on green belt land at Pipeland Farm.
They are now petitioning for their discovery to be reviewed in court.