US man kills himself in Taiwan courtroom

An American man has taken his own life in a Taiwan courtroom after he was sentenced on drug charges.

Gavel, judge, court, justice

File photo. Source: AAP

An American man has killed himself inside a Taiwan courtroom after being given a four-year sentence on drugs charges.

The official Central News Agency said 41-year-old Tyrel Martin Marhanka was rushed to a hospital after he slashed his neck with a scissor blade but later died on Thursday.

Marhanka had been indicted in March for growing opium and marijuana at a rented site in Changhua county in central Taiwan.

CNA said Marhanka told investigators he was growing the plants purely for his own consumption.

The American had been teaching English and was living in Changhua with his Taiwanese wife and two children.

* For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78)


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Published 17 June 2016 7:48pm
Updated 17 June 2016 8:24pm
Source: AAP


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