A law graduate has struggled to find work after his university refused to give him his degree in a row over £17.

Joshua Ingle, of College Road, Northfleet , has still not received his Upper Second Class Honours degree from the University of Kent after graduating in September.

It all comes 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 and made a complaint, which he says has been ignored. He said: "It's just really shameful on their part."

"I've paid nearly £30,000 in tuition and they're refusing to give me my degree over £17.

"I need my degree to apply for jobs to prove I've graduated and got that result, but I can't as they're refusing to give it to me.

"I've explained to them many times I shouldn't be charged for something that wasn't my fault but they're still adamant that it's the way it should be and that's how they've always done it.

"This is a non-academic debt – I don't see why they would have to hold my degree over it.

"Some people paid the fine just to get rid of it, but I'm not a pushover. I did a law degree, I know I shouldn't have to sign a contract for something that doesn't apply to me."

The university has been contacted for comment.

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