A FORMER St Andrews University student facing poisoning claims is being sued by his alleged victim for £3 million.
American Alexander Hilton, 21, is wanted in Scotland over the alleged attempted murder of fellow student Robert Forbes.
Prosecutors have been trying to bring him back to face the charge here, but his extradition from the US has been blocked over suicide fears.
Now Mr Forbes, 22, has filed a $5m civil lawsuit against Mr Hilton and his parents. The complaint lodged in the US District Court this week seeks damages for assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.
Mr Hilton, from Princeton, Massachusetts, is accused of spiking fellow student Robert Forbes' red wine with methanol at the university's New Hall Ball in 2011.
Mr Forbes, of Virginia, suffered severe nausea and headaches and started to lose his vision. He was told he would have died if he had not sought medical help.
Mr Hilton returned to the US in March 2011, less than two weeks after the alleged poisoning.
Last May, Boston magistrate judge Jennifer Boal ruled he could be brought back to Scotland to face an attempted murder charge.
However, last month his lawyers, who argue he is mentally ill, successfully lodged an emergency motion to keep him in the US while he appeals the extradition order.
In the lawsuit it is alleged Mr Hilton gave Mr Forbes a bottle of red wine and put a coin in it as part of a drinking game.
The statement, by Mr Forbes' lawyer Matthew Fogelman, said: "Mr Hilton spiked Mr Forbes' drink with a toxic substance, methanol, and pressured him to drink it, causing Mr Forbes to nearly die and to suffer permanent damage to his vision, as well as other significant pain and injuries. His vision has partially returned over time, but his eyes are fragile and have suffered permanent damage.
"Mr Forbes also suffers from headaches, often wears sunglasses, and is uncomfortable and untrusting in social situations.
"Overseas, alone and without the guidance of his parents, Mr Hilton lacked the structure and support his parents knew he required, which ultimately led him to commit crimes against Mr Forbes."
Mr Fogelman said he had not filed any complaint against the university. He added: "The family just wants to see justice done, criminally and civilly."
Norman Zalkind, Mr Hilton's lawyer, insisted his client would fight the lawsuit and the continued attempts to extradite him.
He said Mr Hilton had tried to commit suicide in the past and extradition to Scotland would be a death sentence. He said: "In England there has been a number of cases where they have been seriously mentally ill people the United States wanted, and they didn't send them here.
"He could die if he left his country. It's just dangerous."
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