Student sentenced for pulling alarm at event

AMHERST – A Souhegan High School student pleaded guilty last week in Milford District Court to pulling a fire alarm during the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s appearance at the school in October.

When Christian Biddle, 17, of 74 Thornton Ferry Road II, pulled the alarm, 400 students from across the region and the justices were participating in an event called Supreme Court “On the Road” in which students and community members get to watch oral arguments in two real cases.

The event was held Oct. 22.

The court event is designed to give students a close look at the appellate court and its work. This was the 10th such program the Supreme Court has held.

Biddle had initially been charged with a misdemeanor, but ended up pleading guilty to a “false fire alarm” charge, which is a violation.

Judge Martha Crocker sentenced Biddle to pay $400 in restitution to the town, complete 40 hours of community service by March 14 and write two letters of apology, one to the school and the other to Merrimack District Court Judge Clifford Kinghorn, who was the event moderator.

In addition, Crocker gave Biddle a $1,000 suspended fine.