Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 10
Taylor Coulter Suffers GHB Needle Spiking in Magaluf Club, Derailing 18-Year-Old's US Football Move
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 10

Taylor Coulter Suffers GHB Needle Spiking in Magaluf Club, Derailing 18-Year-Old's US Football Move

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 10

Summary

  • Hospital tests found 18-year-old Taylor Coulter had been injected with GHB and an antidepressant after feeling a sharp pain when a stranger bumped into her in Magaluf's Bananas nightclub on 21 June.
  • About 20 seconds later, the drug incapacitated her; friends got her to safety, contacted parents and doctors, and took her to hospital, where medics also worried about blood-borne infection from the needle.
  • Nearly three weeks on, anti-viral medication to guard against HIV or hepatitis has left the Greenock Morton Women FC player struggling to walk far, unable to train and dealing with nightmares and flashbacks.
  • Next month's move to Louisiana State University on a football scholarship is now under strain, and Coulter said she shared her story to warn holidaymakers to stay with friends and avoid going anywhere alone.
  • Spike Aware UK said needle spiking is more common than many think, though drink spiking remains more prevalent, as campaigners push for a standalone spiking offence in Scotland after England's 2026 law change.

Insights

England just passed a new anti-spiking law. Why is Scotland lagging behind as attacks rise?
A footballer's dream was shattered in 20 seconds. Are Magaluf's famous nightclubs truly safe?
Why are predators using needle attacks for theft or social media clicks, not just sexual assault?