By M10News Crime Desk|Crime News|13August 2025
A man who pushed a toddler onto a live railway track in Glasgow during what police described as a “horrific and calculated act” has been jailed for attempted murder.
Frederick Danquah, 29, received a 10-year prison sentence at the High Court in Glasgow after admitting to the attack at Garrowhill station in August 2023.
The court heard that the child, who was with his mother at the time, narrowly escaped death thanks to the quick intervention of bystanders.
The incident unfolded shortly after 10am when Danquah approached the two-year-old without warning and forced him onto the electrified track.
Witnesses screamed for help as the child lay in the path of an incoming train. A man on the platform jumped down to rescue the boy, moments before it reached the station.
Prosecutors said Danquah had been acting irrationally and was later found to have made online searches about suicide and train-related deaths.
He was also recorded on CCTV walking along the platform minutes before the assault, apparently waiting for the train to arrive.
The child suffered bruises and abrasions but avoided more serious injury. His mother, who had been holding his hand before the attack, was described in court as “shocked and traumatised” by the sudden violence.
Danquah, originally from Ghana and living in Glasgow’s east end, told police he had been hearing voices and intended to end his own life. He claimed he had “no reason” for targeting the boy.
Defence lawyers argued that Danquah had a history of mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts, but the judge rejected calls for a hospital order, stating that the deliberate nature of the act posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.
Passing sentence, Judge Tony Kelly said: “Your actions on that platform were targeted, deliberate, and put an innocent child’s life in grave danger.
The fact he survived is due only to the bravery and quick thinking of those who intervened.”
British Transport Police Detective Chief Inspector Marc Francey praised the rescuers, saying: “Their courage undoubtedly saved this young boy’s life. This was an unprovoked and deeply disturbing act that will stay with those involved forever.”
Danquah will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole. The court also recommended he receive psychiatric support while in custody.
Anyone affected by this incident can contact the Samaritans for free on 116 123, or text “SHOUT” to 85258 for confidential support.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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