EUSA dismisses allegations against student officer

Serious misconduct allegations against a student leader were dismissed by the Edinburgh University Students' Association as unfounded last week.

Tom French, the Vice-President (Services), was accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour in the Teviot Row House union building by a junior member of the Library Bar staff. In the same complaint made to the students' association, Mr French was also accused of using union money to purchase a chocolate fountain for his personal use.

In a letter to Mr French seen by The Journal, students' association president, Josh MacAlister wrote: "After having the incident report investigated by [returning officer] Graham Boyack... there appears to be no evidence to support the allegations."

Mr French told The Journal: "I am glad the investigation is now over and has ended as I always expected it would. The allegations have been proven to have no substance, and I will continue to get on with the job I was elected to do."

In addition, Mr French has lodged a counter-complaint against the mishandling of the investigation by EUSA, including leaking of the allegations to the press and the "general procedure" followed.

The conduct of EUSA president Josh MacAlister and the lack of support given to Mr French were criticised in the counter-complaint. Mr French has asked that Mr MacAlister's communications with the EUSA-funded newpaper, Student, be investigated for suspected breach of data protection laws and association policies.