A man has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the death of a 48-year-old man whose body was recovered from a canal in Birmingham nearly six years ago.
Guilty Verdict for Cain Watson
Cain Watson, 33, of Dornie Drive, Kings Norton, was initially charged with murder following the death of Darren Round. However, after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, a jury found him not guilty of murder but guilty of the alternative charge of manslaughter by a majority verdict of 11 to one on Thursday.
Discovery of Darren Round's Body
Mr Round's body was found in the water near Masshouse Lane in Kings Norton at around 8.30am on February 15, 2020, by members of the public using a towpath. A post-mortem examination revealed fractures to his face, ribs, and neck, as well as significant brain damage. The cause of death was determined to be a combination of immersion and blunt force trauma.
Prosecutor Ben Williams KC stated: "He was most likely still alive when he went into the water, though he may well have lost consciousness at or about the time he fell in."
Evidence and Investigation
Police analyzed CCTV footage showing Mr Round's final movements before his disappearance. The footage captured Watson and Mr Round walking along the canal path in opposite directions. Within minutes of Watson entering the path, shouting was heard. No other individuals were present on the route at the relevant time.
Mr Williams added: "We, the prosecution, say Mr Round had been subjected to a serious assault involving a number of heavy blows to his face and chest, and his neck either being struck hard or, more likely, placed under severe, sustained pressure."
Watson's Defense
Watson was interviewed by police in June 2021 after being identified through a media appeal. He initially claimed he knew nothing about the circumstances of Mr Round's death and said he was "probably in Pigeon Park" at the time. In a later interview in May 2024, he denied knowing Mr Round, but his DNA was found on the victim's jacket.
Watson later admitted to an altercation with Mr Round and striking him repeatedly but claimed he acted in self-defense using reasonable force. Sentencing will occur at a later date.
