A party at Studentgården in Skanör was a little too much for one student from Lund, who has now been charged with property damage after taking on a house.
In the beginning of the semester, the student had gone to Studentgården in Skanör with roughly 50 other students for a kickoff. The party began by lunchtime with outdoor games. The student drank copious amounts of hard liquor and therefore has few recollections of the evening, but he remembers moving around a house and freezing.
Destroyed gate
One neighbor to Studentgården however, has more memories intact. The neighbor was watching TV when he heard noise from the street. Through the window he then sees how the charged student kicks and punches another neighbor’s house. The house looks similar to Studentgården, but is located approximately 200 meters (~656 feet) away. The student smashed ten windows, damaged two venetian blinds as well as some potted plants. He also destroyed the gate and outdoor lightning of the house when he attempted to enter.
Felt abandoned
In hearings the student reports that he felt abandoned and by mistake had gotten to the wrong house. When arriving at the house, which he perceived as Studentgården, he felt abandoned by the other students. He therefore believes that he tried to enter in order to retrieve his belongings. But the student’s memory from the time is limited.
Not in distress
The student claims that he did not have intent for the damage since he went to the wrong house. He also claims that he acted in distress due to the coldness outside and feeling abandoned. However, the District Court argues that the student was not in danger for his life, health and property. Therefore his claim to not have any intent for the damage lacks significance, even if it was the wrong house.
The student was sentenced for damage to property by Malmö District Court, was put on probation and has to pay an income-related fine of 50SEK for 30 days. He also has to pay the house owners 27 440SEK, plus interest, and 500SEK to The Swedish Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority.
Text: Carl-Johan Kullving
Translation: Elise Petersson
