A $100m writ has been served against Oxford University by a former student for alleged crimes against human rights.

American student Tong Park was at Oriel College during the 1980s under a false name and passport. He believes the university violated his human rights by refusing to let him continue studying after he failed his exams.

Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, the Chancellor of the University, and Vice Chancellor Colin Lucas were served with the writ along with Oriel provost Ernest Nicholson and two former provosts.

It was formally served by county bailiffs having been issued by a Californian court.

James Methven, the Dean of Oriel College, insists Mr Park was expelled after the university discovered he was studying under a false name. He said: "I was shocked and amused when I was served with thewrit. I don't know much about him - it was well before I was Dean.

"I was just minding my own business when two Oxford County Court bailiffs burst into my room. They presented me with a writ for £70m from an American guy who had been at the college.

"He is claiming that by sending him down for failing exams, we have contravened the Human Rights Convention by causing him unnatural distress and mental cruelty. I've never met him in my life.

"The matter is with the University solicitors. We are not too worried about it. They will have to change the law if they are going to win the case."

The whereabouts of Mr Park is unknown.

Story date: Monday 24 May

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