A man facing trial for manslaughter, accused of the death of his Grindr date, reportedly informed law enforcement that he unintentionally slept on top of the individual for approximately thirty minutes after their intimate encounter, as revealed during the trial proceedings.
Josh Baxter, aged 28, and Michael Barron, aged 38, connected through the app on 26 January the previous year, as disclosed to the jurors. Details presented at the Minshull Street Crown Court indicated that following their virtual interaction, the pair agreed to meet at Mr. Baxter’s residence in Blackley for a sexual liaison.
Prosecutors alleged that Mr. Baxter induced Mr. Barron to consume excessive alcohol, leading to his loss of consciousness. The court was informed that Mr. Baxter purportedly restrained Mr. Barron face-down on his bed and remained on top of him for an extended period.
The jury heard that Mr. Baxter strangled and suffocated Mr. Barron with such force that it resulted in bone and cartilage injuries. Mr. Barron experienced cerebral hypoxia, a condition arising from inadequate oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in cardiac arrest, as per the information shared with the jurors.
Upon the arrival of paramedics, Mr. Barron was pronounced deceased. The court was informed that Mr. Baxter ordered food delivery and communicated with other individuals on Grindr.
The court learned that Mr. Baxter searched online about potential legal consequences if someone dies accidentally during a sexual encounter involving strangulation.
Mr. Baxter, a resident of Blackley, refutes the charges of manslaughter, intentional strangulation or suffocation, and unlawfully causing grievous bodily harm. The trial reconvened on Wednesday.
Detective Constable Jasmine Kennedy testified before the jury, stating that she obtained a statement from Mr. Baxter shortly after the incident. According to the statement, Mr. Baxter and Mr. Barron conversed on the dating app before delving into their sexual preferences.
The statement indicated that Mr. Barron acquired a bottle of vodka en route to Mr. Baxter’s place, where they engaged in conversation and consumed alcohol. Mr. Barron reportedly drank a substantial amount of alcohol before both individuals proceeded to Mr. Baxter’s bedroom for intimate activities.
Quoting from Mr. Baxter’s statement, Prosecutor Anne Whyte KC mentioned that Mr. Baxter tied Mr. Barron up before engaging in sexual acts. Mr. Baxter admitted to falling asleep on top of Mr. Barron, awakening to find him unresponsive.
Emergency services were contacted, and CPR instructions were provided to Mr. Baxter. Paramedics discovered Mr. Barron in an unconscious state in Mr. Baxter’s bedroom, with one medic confirming the individual’s demise.
Forensic analysis revealed injuries consistent with strangulation on Mr. Barron’s body, alongside significant alcohol levels. Medical experts suggested that Mr. Barron’s death likely resulted from a combination of factors, including alcohol toxicity, positional asphyxia, and neck compression.
Consultant neuropathologist Dr. Daniel Du Plessis highlighted evidence of oxygen deprivation in Mr. Barron’s brain. Mr. Baxter denies the manslaughter charges against him.