A woman who was “unable to speak or move properly” after being spiked on a North East night out is set to feature in a new ITV programme.

Nikki Garnett, 57, was on a night out in Newcastle in January 2022 when she suddenly lost all control after her drink was spiked. 

Onlookers assumed Nikki was simply drunk when the incident took place - and she’s now set to share her story on the ITV Tonight programme 'Spiking: How Safe is Your Night Out?' this evening.

The programme will explore the scope and impact of spiking in the UK, supported by data from the charity Stamp Out Spiking in conjunction with Cardiff University. 

Alongside Nikki, other individuals impacted by spiking will share their stories, highlighting both the psychological impact and variety of those affected. 

In response to Nikki’s story, Northumbria Police said it is committed to supporting victims and carrying out investigations, as well as deploying a Safe Haven van at weekends with police and ambulance staff and extra officers on patrol in the city centre.

The exclusive data set to be broadcast suggests the true scale of spiking may be significantly underreported, with many victims choosing not to report incidents to authorities.

While nearly 7,000 incidents were officially reported in England and Wales in 2023, the survey data indicates that this number may represent only a fraction of actual cases. 

Among nearly 600 respondents, just 26% said they had reported their experience to the police, suggesting the total could be four times higher than official figures show.

The survey also shows that spiking methods vary widely, with 83% of victims reporting their drink was tampered with, and nearly 7% reporting injection-based spiking.

Nearly 50% of victims didn’t know why they had been spiked – there was no other crime. 

DCI Andy Harbour from Sussex Police adds context to these findings, explaining that while spiking is sometimes linked to other crimes, many cases appear to be carried out “for sport” or other unclear motives.

The programme also examines the legal complexities surrounding spiking. 

Currently, spiking offences are addressed under seven different laws, making prosecution challenging. The Tonight survey data reveals only 3% of reported cases proceeded to prosecution, with even fewer ending in conviction. 

Campaigners argue that a single, dedicated law addressing spiking could help improve outcomes in the justice system.

In opposition, Labour had called for the introduction of a single spiking law.  

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Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime, and this Government is determined to stamp it out.  

“We will create a new offence on spiking which will allow the police to better respond to this vile crime, and we will empower all victims to feel confident to come forward and report it.” 

Spiking: How Safe is Your Night Out? will air on Thursday, November 7, at 8.30pm.