A suicidal man who tried to murder a two-year-old boy by stepping in front of a moving train while carrying the child on his shoulders has been jailed for a decade. Frederick Danquah, 28, was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday after being convicted of the horrific attempted murder at Garrowhill railway station.
The court heard how Danquah endangered the toddler’s life in a calculated attack on 2 July 2023 following a relationship breakdown with the child’s mother. Both suffered injuries when struck by the train, with Danquah sustaining a broken jaw and fractured neck while the youngster miraculously escaped with only cuts and bruises.
Judge Tony Kelly told Danquah the “harm was of the greatest kind” as he imposed the 10-year sentence and a non-harassment order that will remain in force until the child turns 18.
Mother’s Agony Over Brutal Attack
The judge revealed the devastating impact on the child’s mother, who provided an emotional victim statement detailing her ongoing trauma. “The effect on his mother is profound. She is deeply affected,” Judge Kelly said.
“She said she felt overwhelmed. She still suffers constant anxiety.”
Addressing Danquah directly, the judge added: “You endangered the life of the boy. You intended to take his life. You meant to have his mother attend his funeral.”
The powerful words prompted members of Danquah’s family to break down in tears as he was led away in handcuffs to begin his sentence.
Hours of Terror Before Station Attack
The court heard how Danquah’s actions that day began with posting a suicidal message on Facebook before creating what prosecutors called a “contingency plan” including a note with contact details. After arguing with his ex-partner who told him she had “moved on,” Danquah collected the child from relatives.
He first attempted to climb over a footbridge above the M8 motorway with the toddler on his shoulders. Police officers spotted him but he managed to “reassure them” before travelling to Garrowhill station where he carried out the attack.
The train struck Danquah and the child at approximately 7.20pm. The youngster suffered surface wounds to his forehead, head, back, face and nose but was discharged from hospital after just two days.
Mental Health Defence Rejected
Danquah had denied attempted murder and a separate charge of culpable and reckless conduct regarding the M8 bridge incident, claiming mental illness as a defence. He argued he was unable to appreciate his actions at the time due to his mental condition.
However, a jury rejected this defence last month after hearing evidence about his state of mind. While the court accepted Danquah had an “adjustment disorder,” this was not deemed sufficient to absolve him of criminal responsibility.
Defence counsel Gary Allan KC described the incident as a “horrible miracle” and told the court his client was receiving psychiatric help following the “one-off horror story” that “took place at his own hand.”
Prison Attacks and Suicide Attempts
The court heard Danquah, who had no previous convictions and was involved in a Ghanaian community group, had been “beaten up by other prisoners” since being remanded. Mr Allan warned that jail “will be a living nightmare for him.
Danquah made further attempts on his own life, including one in December 2023, the court was told. The defence lawyer argued unsuccessfully against the non-harassment order, claiming it would “sever the relationship” with the child.
Judge Kelly said the train driver who witnessed the incident and emergency responders were left in “various stages of upset” by what they saw. “You were intent on taking your own life on July 2, 2023,” he told Danquah.
Child Now “Doing Well” Say Police
Detective Chief Inspector Marc Francey of British Transport Police welcomed the conclusion of the case, describing Danquah’s actions as “incomprehensible.
He deliberately put a young child’s life in extreme danger, and it is only through sheer luck that he wasn’t seriously injured or killed,” DCI Francey said. “We could have easily been looking at a very different investigation.”
The senior officer confirmed the child, now aged four, is “doing well” and said the family wants to “put this matter behind them and focus on their future.”
He added: “Incidents like this are rare, but nevertheless, we will always hold offenders to account, and Danquah will now be spending the foreseeable future behind bars where he’ll have plenty of time to consider his abhorrent actions.
Judge’s Scathing Verdict
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Kelly emphasised the calculated nature of Danquah’s actions over several hours. “To seek to take the life of your son over some hours is great criminality. I have no doubt about your intentions,” he said.
“You considered taking the life of a two-year-old. You sought to bring about for your partner the death of her son. You require to be punished.”
The judge noted that while the jury did not accept Danquah’s mental health defence, they also “didn’t say that he wasn’t suffering from some kind of depressive condition.
Mr Allan had argued his client’s mental condition should be taken into account, stating: “The verdict of the jury was that the mental condition of the accused was not such that the statutory defence was made out.”
Support Services Available
The shocking case has highlighted the importance of mental health support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Help is available through various channels for anyone struggling with similar issues.
British Transport Police emphasised that while such incidents are extremely rare, they remain committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and prosecuting those who endanger others’ lives.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when mental health crises lead to violence against innocent victims, particularly children.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
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