AN Oxford academic declared himself innocent of 'crimes against higher education' at a mock trial decades ago.
Keble warden Christopher Ball spoke to students in a remarkable scene in November 1981, when a bewigged judge was stayed outside the Oxford University college.
ALSO READ: Boris as Doris - Johnson's colourful past through the Oxford Mail archive
Mr Ball was the chairman of the National Advisory Board for local authority higher education, which was then considering cuts at polytechnics and local education college nationwide.
Prosecutor Rob Smith, president of Oxford Polytechnic students' union, accused Mr Ball of presiding over a decline in educational standards.
ALSO READ: Green and Grieve's archived antics show Tory infighting's not new
Referring to a giant effigy which the students planned to burn that night instead of a Guy Fawkes, he responded: "Better men than I have been burnt in Oxford, and not in jest. I am glad that, if I am to be burnt, it is only an effigy and in jest.
Meanwhile I will continue with my work, which is not easy, not pleasant, but, I believe, not wrong."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here