A British man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for encouraging a US citizen to take his own life during a video call. Dylan Phelan, 21, from Leeds, pleaded guilty to intentionally encouraging the suicide of Travis Dyer, also 21, from Louisiana.
Details of the Case
On Friday, at Leeds Crown Court, Phelan was sentenced to six years and four months after previously admitting to the charge. The incident occurred in October 2024, when Dyer died by suicide during a call involving Phelan and two other men. Phelan also admitted to three counts of possessing extreme pornographic images and one count of making an indecent image of a child.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Barry Cotter condemned Phelan for indulging his "morbid curiosity" at Dyer's expense, stating that Dyer needed "help and support but he got the very opposite of that from you." The judge added, "You wanted to feel like you had control over the actions of another. You showed no respect for the life of Travis Dyer."
Background of the Incident
Phelan and the two other men were members of a private server on Discord called "Recovery4all," intended as a forum for discussing mental health issues. Prosecutor Andrew Petterson described the name as "ironic," as Phelan and the others taunted Dyer and worsened his mental state.
The court heard that Dyer had faced personal hardships, including the drowning deaths of his mother and sister, leading to declining mental health. He contacted the group seeking support but was instead exploited. The men convinced him to carve their initials into his skin and buy drugs and alcohol with his money.
Petterson stated, "The deceased shared his suicidal thoughts within the group and his plans to take his own life. Phelan and his co-conspirators waged a campaign of cruelty during which Travis Dyer was groomed into taking his own life." During the final call, Phelan was heard goading Dyer, telling him to "pull the trigger" and laughing.
Aftermath
Dyer's body was discovered only after one of the other men informed someone outside the group, leading US police to be contacted. Phelan was brought to Elland police station by his parents after a woman he corresponded with online informed them of his involvement.
In addition to his prison sentence, Phelan received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. For support, Samaritans can be contacted in the UK and Ireland on 116 123. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available at 988 or 988lifeline.org.
