Man accused of trying to murder toddler by stepping in front of moving train

A man is on trial accused of attempting to murder a toddler by stepping in front of a moving train while holding him.

Frederick Danquah, 28, allegedly assaulted the two-year-old at Glasgow’s Garrowhill train station on July 2, 2023.

Court papers state Danquah placed the boy, who was in his care, on his shoulders and stepped in front of a moving train.

The train is said to have struck Danquah and the boy to his severe injury, danger of life and attempted murder.

Danquah faces a separate charge of culpable and recklessly carrying the boy on his shoulders and thereafter repeatedly attempted to climb over a fence on an M8 public footbridge.

The charge says he attempted to pull himself and the boy over the fence with a total disregard for the safety of the toddler and users of the motorway below.

This is claimed to have been to the danger of the boy’s life, Danquah’s own life and the lives of the road users of the motorway below.

A special defence has been lodged which states that Danquah was unable to understand the wrongfulness of their actions due to a mental disorder.

The High Court in Glasgow was read at the start of the trial a joint minute of agreed evidence by advocate depute Michael Macintosh.

Mr Macintosh stated that the train struck Danquah and the boy just before 7.20pm.

The boy sustained surface wounds to his forehead, head, back, face and nose.

Danquah suffered fractures to his lower spine and his jaw.

The trial continues before Judge Tony Kelly.

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