Serial catfisher admits manslaughter of girl, 12, who killed herself

A man who repeatedly ‘catfished’ children online has admitted manslaughter after one of his young victims killed herself.

Alexander McCartney, 25, of Newry in Northern Ireland, has pleaded guilty to 185 charges involving more than 60 victims.

He used a fake identity to exploit and blackmail children online, threatening consequences if they did not provide explicit photos.

The 12-year-old girl who killed herself died in 2018. She cannot be named for legal reasons.