Student put knife to his throat after mixing drugs and alcohol

An American student from St Andrews University who took a knife to his own throat after mixing alcohol with his personal medication was fined £300 at Cupar Sheriff Court.

William Hanrahan, 22, of Kidston Court, St Andrews, admitted behaving in a threatening manner by seizing the 12in blade at his home address in August.

He also pleaded guilty to injuring his hand while holding it, cutting plastic bottles and holding it to his throat.

The court heard the offence took place in front of a close female friend who he had invited to his flat.

The Crown said the two friends were enjoying a few drinks when Hanrahan began behaving “strangely” and picked up a knife which he began “twisting” in his hand.

His defence agent said: “He had flown from Washington DC the night before and had taken one diazepam tablet that he had been prescribed to help him sleep during his flight and prior to his friend coming round for dinner he took one amphetamine tablet prescribed for ADHD.”

Sheriff Charles Macnair described the incident as “alarming”.