A YOUNG woman has suffered nightmares and panic attacks since she was punched and sexually assaulted by a fellow Durham University student.

Benjamin David Mills hit his victim on the back of the head and knocked her to the floor when she shrugged him off after he grabbed her private parts from behind.

Magistrates, sitting at Newton Aycliffe, heard the victim suffered concussion after Mills attacked her in the Durham Students’ Union.

Prosecutor Emma Barker said the woman had suffered psychological and emotional damage, including a nightmare in which she falls and hits her head. She struggled to accept Mill’s actions as he was a rugby player who should have understood the seriousness of a head injury.

Mills, from Islington, London, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and assault by beating.

John Turner, mitigating, said the 19-year-old was genuinely remorseful and of previous exemplary character.

The university suspended the second year physics student after the incident and is now considering what disciplinary action to take.

Mr Turner said Mills’ actions made him physically sick and had brought shame on his parents who, like him, are practising Christians.

Mills had played rugby for the university, was a children’s sports coach and had considered a teaching career. Mr Turner said all that was now gone and he currently works in bar on a zero hours, minimum wage contract and has counselling for a problem with binge drinking.

Mr Turner added: “A man of exemplary good character, in the space of five to ten seconds has caused wreckage to someone else and caused phenomenal wreckage to himself. He has set himself back a number of years.”

Mills was sentenced to a total of 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and will be on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.

He will be subject to two years supervision with 35 programme days and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He must pay £500 compensation to his victim and a two year restraining order was made.

Owen Adams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (colleges and student experience), said: “We want all staff and students to feel safe and enjoy their time at Durham and if a member of our community experiences this, they will be supported. The university is taking significant steps to create a community where survivors are supported, while striving to eliminate sexual violence.”