Morley man charged with encouraging the suicide of American man and possession of extreme pornography

Dylan Phelan, aged 21, from the Churwell area of Morley, has been charged with intentionally encouraging the suicide of another.

The charge relates to allegations that he encouraged the suicide of a 21-year-old man in Louisiana, USA, on October 30, 2024 during a video call, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.

Phelan has also been charged with making an indecent image of a child and possession of extreme pornography. These charges are not connected to the suicide of the 21-year-old man.

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said: “Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We have worked closely with West Yorkshire Police as they carried out their investigation into the circumstances of this death. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this time.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on February 11.