A father who tried to take his own life while holding his two-year-old son has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted murder.

Frederick Danquah, 28, carried out the shocking act after learning his former partner had moved on with her life.

The incident happened on July 2, 2023, at Garrowhill railway station in Glasgow. Both Danquah and the child were injured during the attempt.

Danquah denied attempted murder and reckless conduct, citing mental health issues as a defense. However, a jury at Glasgow’s High Court found him guilty last month.

During sentencing, Judge Tony Kelly described the harm as “of the greatest kind” and handed down a 10-year prison term. A non-harassment order was also imposed to protect the child until he turns 18.

Earlier on the same day, Danquah had tried to climb a footbridge over the M8 motorway in Glasgow while carrying his son, after an argument with his ex-partner.

He had posted a suicidal message on Facebook and even prepared a note with contact details, suggesting he had a “contingency plan,” the court heard.

Danquah collected his son from relatives and traveled into Glasgow city center. He met his sister’s partner before attempting to climb the motorway bridge.

Police spotted him but he reassured them before proceeding to Garrowhill station, where he attempted to step in front of a train with his child.

British Transport Police reported that Danquah suffered a broken jaw and a neck fracture, while the boy had cuts and bruises. Thankfully, the child was discharged from the hospital two days later.

Judge Kelly said during sentencing: “You went to the platform, picked up the child, and walked into the path of a train. You intended to end your own life and take the child’s life too. This is serious criminality.”

The judge noted that Danquah’s ex-partner had told him she had moved on, and that he wanted her to witness their child’s death.

Witnesses, including the train driver and rescuers, were left visibly upset by the events. Danquah’s ex-partner suffered from anxiety and testified about seeing her son in hospital with severe bruises.

Judge Kelly added that Danquah’s actions were aimed at taking a two-year-old’s life and causing grief for his former partner, and that punishment was necessary.

The court heard that Danquah had no prior criminal record and was involved in a Ghanaian community group.

It was also revealed that he had tried to take his own life again in December 2023.

Defense lawyer Gary Allan said the incident was a “horrible miracle” and that Danquah was now receiving psychiatric care. He added that Danquah’s ex-partner had offered some support, including acknowledging his relationship with their child.

Mr Allan emphasized that although the jury rejected Danquah’s mental health defense for statutory purposes, it didn’t mean he wasn’t suffering from depression.

He added that Danquah had been attacked by other prisoners and that prison life would be extremely difficult for him. He requested the judge reconsider the non-harassment order to preserve Danquah’s connection with his child.