Alexander McCartney, a 26-year-old from Newry, Northern Ireland, has been sentenced to at least 20 years in prison for the manslaughter of a 12-year-old girl and for his extensive online abuse of at least 70 other children, reported the news agency AFP.
Prosecutors described McCartney as a “relentless and cruel” predator who used social media to manipulate and exploit vulnerable girls worldwide.
McCartney engaged in catfishing—posing as a teenage girl to lure victims on platforms like Snapchat. Authorities revealed he targeted approximately 3,500 girls, encouraging them to send intimate images and then blackmailing them with threats to share the photos.
During a court hearing, the prosecution detailed how McCartney’s actions led to the suicide of Cimarron Thomas from West Virginia in May 2018. As he pressured her during an online chat, she tragically took her own life shortly after he issued threats.
“This is the first time someone has been convicted of manslaughter in a case where the victim and perpetrator never met,” said Catherine Kieran, acting head of the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service Serious Crime Unit.
The court heard that the trauma inflicted by McCartney’s actions had far-reaching consequences, including mental health issues and self-harm among victims.
Justice O’Hara remarked on the catastrophic damage inflicted by McCartney’s use of social media, stating, “There has not been a case such as the present where the defendant has used social media on an industrial scale to inflict such terrible and catastrophic damage.”
McCartney pleaded guilty to 185 charges, including manslaughter, blackmail, and sexual exploitation. His sentence, handed down at Belfast Crown Court, includes a life term with a minimum of 20 years before eligibility for parole.
The judge described McCartney’s conduct as “truly difficult to comprehend,” noting the “remorseless” nature of his actions.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan of the Police Service of Northern Ireland emphasised the devastation caused, stating, “We cannot underestimate the devastation that he has caused and the childhoods he has stolen.”
The impact of McCartney’s predatory behaviour on victims was profound, leading to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Families of victims expressed their devastation, with Cimarron’s grandparents stating, “Our lives will never be the same. We didn’t get to see her graduate, walk down the aisle or have children.”

Former NBA star Montrezl Harrell, who now plays basketball for the Adelaide 36ers, has been racially abused online.

The Adelaide 36ers basketball team has condemned the racist comments, which happened after Thursday night’s 10-point win over South East Melbourne Phoenix.

In a statement posted to Instagram, the 36ers said racist comments were directed at one of their players on social media after the game.

Harrell shared the racial slurs, which were from an anonymous account, to his social media.

The slurs also included references to his death.

The club called out the incident 16 hours after Harrell’s post.

The 36ers said the incident had been reported to the Basketball Australia integrity unit.

A club spokesperson did not believe the incident had been referred to South Australian Police.

Harrell had a strong match against the Phoenix, scoring 14 points.

A spokesperson for the Phoenix said “while it appears to not be a Phoenix member, we want to make it clear we do not condone this”.

Basketball Australia has been contacted for comment.

Harrell brought in as a replacement

The 36ers announced Harrell would be joining them last month to replace injured player Jarell Martin.

At the time, 36ers head coach Mike Wells said Harrell would “bring energy at both ends of the floor” while “adding toughness”.

“Montrezl will bring that professionalism with a lot of years in the NBA and his competitiveness is great and he will bring that to the organisation,” Wells said.

Harrell has played more than 500 games in the NBA for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.

Wells also has extensive NBA experience, coaching several team in the US since 1995.

Head coach sacked

The racial incident comes at a tense time for the 36ers after the sacking of head coach Scott Ninnis in August, just six months after he was appointed to the role.

After being contacted about the racial incident, the club released a separate statement regarding Ninnis.

It said the club had met with Ninnis last week to discuss matters relating to his departure.

Grant Kelley, Adelaide 36ers executive chairman, said it was important for both parties to move forward and look towards the future.

“Scott is a club legend and we are glad to have his support,” he said.

“As a club, we have a full focus on what is ahead for us and are excited for the NBL25 season.”

The club statement said Ninnis said he was “thankful to put the past behind him” and was looking forward to supporting the club.

“I am happy that we have been able to sort things out,” Ninnis said.

“I wish Grant and the club all the best for the season ahead and I’m looking forward to attending games this season.”

Scott Ninnis was replaced by Mike Wells, who was originally appointed as an assistant coach earlier this year.