More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A law graduate who said he had struggled to find work after his university refused to give him his degree in a row over £17 is to be given his certificates after all.
Joshua Ingle, of College Road, Northfleet , had not received his Upper Second Class Honours degree from the University of Kent after graduating in September.
He had understood he would not be sent the paperwork after being contacted by one of the university's administrators.
It all came down to a bill over damage at his student digs, which he says has nothing to do with him.
While the 21-year-old was studying law last year, a house mate accidentally burnt a sofa cover with a hot pan.
After the culprit failed to step forward and admit fault, the university split the charge between the 10 people who had been living in Tyler Court, student accommodation at the university's Canterbury campus.
When Joshua didn't pay the balance of £17.73, a member of the university's accommodation team paid a visit and asked each member of the flat to sign a piece of paper admitting liability for the damages.
Joshua refused to sign.
The university has now agreed to release his certificates but there is some confusion over why.
A spokesman for the university told KentOnline: "Mr Ingle is due to receive his graduation certificate in line with the university graduation policy in November.
"Although he does have a debt for ancillary charges, this has not at any stage affected either his results or certificate being released."
While Josh is delighted things have been resolved, it has left some confusion as he believes his degree paperwork was to be held back.
A message from a university administrator on September 28 said: "You have a finance flag against your certificate record which will prevent the award being released."
Then another on October 8 from a credit controller said: "Your query has been investigated and I can now advise you that your finance flag has been removed and I have informed the Central Student Administration Office to release your documents."
Either way, Josh will now get his certificate. He said: "It feels great knowing that I have got something that I've worked really hard for. It's been a tough three years and I'm happy I finally have something to show for it."
He plans on joining Kent Police next year as a detective as part of its graduate scheme and hopes one day to be chief inspector.
