Home / Crime and Justice / Man Jailed for Encouraging Suicide via Video Call
Man Jailed for Encouraging Suicide via Video Call
12 Jun
Summary
- British man Dylan Phelan received a six-year sentence.
- He encouraged a vulnerable US citizen to commit suicide.
- The encouragement happened during a video call on Discord.
Dylan Phelan, a 21-year-old from Morley, Britain, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison. He pleaded guilty to encouraging a vulnerable 21-year-old US citizen to commit suicide.
Phelan had been communicating with Travis Dyer, who was battling mental health issues, for several months through the online platform Discord. During a two-minute video call on October 30, 2024, Phelan, along with two other men from the US, reportedly encouraged Dyer, who resided in Louisiana, to end his life.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Phelan and the other two men were part of a private Discord server named 'Recovery4all.' Prosecutor Andrew Petterson stated that the server's name was ironic, as members did not offer support but instead shared thoughts on mental health. Dyer had disclosed his suicidal ideations and plans to take his own life within this group.
Judge Barry Cotter KC characterized Phelan's motivation as 'morbid curiosity.' The judge emphasized that Dyer needed help and support, which he received the opposite of from Phelan.
