A man on trial for the manslaughter of a man he met on the dating app Grindr has told a court that their graphic online conversations about choking were merely 'role play' and 'fantasy'. Michael Barron, 38, died after meeting 28-year-old Josh Baxter at his flat in north Manchester in January last year.
The Fatal Encounter
Michael Barron travelled to Josh Baxter's flat on January 26, 2025, after the pair connected on Grindr earlier that day. Their conversation continued on WhatsApp before they arranged to meet in person for sex. Later that same day, Mr Barron was found dead at the property.
A post-mortem examination concluded that Mr Barron died from cerebral hypoxia, a severe lack of oxygen to the brain, which then led to a cardiac arrest. Prosecutors at Minshull Street Crown Court allege that Mr Baxter strangled and choked Mr Barron with such significant force that it fractured a bone and cartilage in his neck.
'Fantasy' and 'Role Play' Defence
Josh Baxter has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. Under questioning from his barrister, Louise Sweet KC, he addressed the nature of the messages exchanged between the two men prior to their meeting.
Mr Baxter described the explicit chat, which reportedly included references to choking, as part of a consensual fantasy. He asserted that the communications were a form of 'role play' and denied any intention to cause harm to Michael Barron during their encounter.
Ongoing Trial Proceedings
The jury continues to hear evidence in the case at Minshull Street Crown Court. The trial will determine whether the fatal incident was a tragic accident during a sexual encounter that went wrong, or a deliberate act of violence.
The case has highlighted discussions around consent, communication, and safety within online dating and hook-up culture. The court must now weigh the digital evidence of the men's conversations against the physical evidence presented by the prosecution.
