Teen likely to avoid conviction after trashing Victoria University hostel

The man is charged with intentionally damaging walls and the ceiling in the Katharine Jermyn hall of residence at Victoria University. Photo / Mark Mitchell

An 18-year-old man who allegedly helped trash a floor at a Victoria University hostel that is now uninhabitable will likely avoid a conviction.

Leonard John Phillips, 18, is charged with intentionally damaging walls and the ceiling in the Katharine Jermyn hall of residence and was due to appear in the Wellington District Court today.

But his appearance was excused and the matter was dealt with by a court registrar.

The police prosecutor said Phillips, who is yet to enter a plea, was eligible for diversion, a scheme allowing people to avoid conviction on minor offences in return for performing tasks set by police.

Radio New Zealand reported earlier this week the eight floor of hall was trashed so badly on Saturday night, the floor was now locked.

One man who spoke to Radio New Zealand said someone was "walking around with a golf club, smashing s*** up and all that".

Another student told Radio NZ it was "like a warzone".

"The whole eighth floor, a lot of ceiling tiles had been smashed, I think by peoples' heads. There were all sorts of drinking games going on, there was plaster everywhere on the floor," he said.

Victoria University acting chief operating officer Jenny Bentley said the university would also address the misconduct of anyone involved in the incident.