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* A former mature student who blamed the University of North-umbria after she failed her degree has lost her claim for Pounds 20,000 in damages.

Sue Finch, aged 46, who spent a year studying for a business administration degree, accused her lecturers of failing to monitor her progress or recognise that she was having difficulties.

But at Carlisle County Court, recorder Norman Wright threw out her claim that the university was in breach of its contract and described her as "an extremely manipulative person who seeks to achieve her own ends by threats and intimidation".