A St Andrews University student has been expelled after he was found guilty of racially abusing a Jewish post-graduate.

Drunken Paul Donnachie rubbed his genitals before wiping his hands on a flag of Israel pinned to Chanan Reitblat's wall.

The offence took place in the early hours of March 12 in a hall of residence in St Andrews.

Donnachie's co-accused, Samuel Colchester, was acquitted after the charge against him was deemed to be not proven.

He has nevertheless been suspended from St Andrews University for one year, following an internal investigation.

Cupar Sheriff Court was packed out throughout the two days of the trial, with friends of the complainer and members of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) among those in attendance.

There were cries of "shame", "disgrace" and "scandal" from the public benches after Donnachie was found guilty by Sheriff Charles Macnair.

Sentence was deferred until September 13 for reports.

Donnachie, who described himself as a political activist, has vowed to appeal the ruling.

He branded it "ridiculous" and insisted he was protesting against the state of Israel rather than offending any individual.