British man who goaded vulnerable American 21-year-old into killing himself with shotgun by urging him to 'push down on the trigger' is jailed for more than six years

Published: 20:57, 12 June 2026 | Updated: 21:17, 12 June 2026 A British man who encouraged a vulnerable young American into killing himself on a video call has been jailed. Dylan Phelan, 21, recorded himself laughing after he told Travis Dyer, also 21, to 'push down on trigger' of a loaded shotgun. Mr Dyer, from Louisiana, took his own life after a month-long 'campaign of cruelty' by Phelan and two unidentified others - who 'wanted' him dead - on Discord, an online messaging platform. They had encouraged him to take drugs, practice shooting himself with the gun unloaded and spend his money so he would not be able to support himself. Mr Dyer was also made to carve the trio's names into his skin. He killed himself on October 30, 2024, immediately after Phelan, from Morley, West Yorkshire, told him: 'When will you ever feel it again? Push down on the trigger.' Phelan, who pleaded guilty to encouraging suicide and possessing indecent images, was jailed for six years and four months. Sentencing, Mr Justice Cotter described the video as 'truly harrowing' and said Phelan had 'taken advantage of a vulnerable man' out of 'morbid curiosity'. Dylan Phelan, 21, was jailed for more than six years after he was found to have encouraged the suicide of a vulnerable American Travis Dyer had struggled with mental health issues and killed himself with a shotgun on a video call with Phelan and others He said: 'All human life is uniquely precious. Travis Dyer was a vulnerable and troubled man. 'And on October 30, 2024, you and two others exploited his vulnerability. He needed help and support - he got the very opposite of that from you. 'Your motivation was morbid curiosity. You wanted to feel like you had control over the actions of another. You showed no respect for the life of Travis Dyer. Your gratification was more important to you.' Mr Dyer had suffered with serious mental health problems and had spoken openly online about self-harm, financial worries and suicidal thoughts in a private Discord group called Recovery For All. Prosecutor Andrew Petterson told Leeds Crown Court that the name was 'ironic' because members did not seek to help those struggling with their mental health. He said: 'There were people within that group that wanted the deceased to take his own life. Travis Dyer was encouraged to do so. The encouragement went on for about a month.' Describing the group video call during which Mr Dyer died, Mr Petterson said: 'The defendant encouraged Travis Dyer to take his own life at different stages of the recording.' He added that in the last moments before Mr Dyer took his own life, Phelan said: 'Try to push your finger towards the end of the trigger, just try it. 'This is the last time, seriously, the last time you will ever feel it. 'When are you going to feel it again? Push down on the trigger.' Phelan went with his parents to Elland Road police station in Leeds on March 27 last year to tell officers of his involvement. He said he had 'become drawn to the darker groups on Discord'. The court heard Phelan had no previous convictions and was 'genuinely remorseful'. Phelan, pictured in April, also admitted possessing indecent images after a search of his phone found extreme pornography and an indecent image of a child Mr Dyer's mother, 31-year-old Ashley Ann Worrell, and his three-year-old sister Delaney Rae Lirette died in August 2014 when their pick-up truck overturned and crashed into a canal. His great-grandmother, Vivian Mahoney, told the court: 'Our family has been systematically devastated by a relentless sequence of tragedies. 'Travis was our final beacon of hope, our little big man. His death has not only caused profound sadness, it has shattered the very foundation of our existence.' Ms Mahoney said she had prayed for Phelan's parents who 'undoubtedly have suffered much pain and anguish, knowing their son was involved in courting and committing to death'. She added: 'We hope this horrific lesson will eventually compel this defendant to grow into a man who uses his life to help others.' Phelan also admitted possessing indecent images after police searched his mobile phone and also found extreme pornography and an indecent image of a child. Mr Justice Cotter added: 'You and all the others who use the internet to discuss suicide and self harm should realise that what you do online is not beyond the reach of the law. 'Anyone who assists or encourages suicide should expect punishment. Your sentence should stand as a warning to all.' The judge urged people to come forward to police with information to help trace the two other group members, known online as Mads and Rob. Alex Johnson, senior specialist prosecutor in the CPS Special Crime Division, said: 'This was a deeply disturbing case involving the exploitation of a vulnerable young man through an online platform. 'Dylan Phelan did not merely witness what happened - he actively participated in goading Travis Dyer to take his own life, intending that he would do so. 'Online spaces are not beyond the reach of the law. Encouraging self-harm or suicide, whether in person or through digital platforms, is a serious criminal offence. 'Our thoughts remain with Travis Dyer's family and friends. We hope that today's conviction brings them some measure of justice.' For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit thecalmzone.net/get-support  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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