A Manchester man on trial for manslaughter told police he fell asleep on top of his Grindr date for half an hour after sex, a jury has heard.
The Fatal Encounter
Josh Baxter, 28, is accused of killing Michael Barron, 38, after the pair connected on the dating app Grindr on 26 January last year. Minshull Street Crown Court was told they arranged to meet at Mr Baxter's flat in Blackley for a sexual encounter.
Prosecutors allege that Baxter encouraged Barron to drink a significant amount of alcohol, causing him to pass out. The court heard claims that Baxter then restrained Barron face down on the bed and lay on top of him for an extended period.
The prosecution stated that Mr Barron died from cerebral hypoxia – a lack of oxygen to the brain – which led to cardiac arrest. This was allegedly caused by strangulation and choking so forceful it fractured a bone and cartilage in his neck.
The Defendant's Account
Detective Constable Jasmine Kennedy read a statement from Josh Baxter to the jury. In it, Baxter described how the pair chatted online, discussed sexual interests, and arranged the meeting.
Baxter stated that Mr Barron bought a 70cl bottle of vodka on his way over, and that they drank together, consuming nearly the entire bottle of vodka plus wine before going to buy more alcohol.
Baxter's account, as presented by prosecutor Anne Whyte KC, detailed that they went to the bedroom, got naked, and began sex. "I then tied him up with red rope against both his ankles and wrists. I knotted the rope not very tightly," the statement said.
"Whilst in that position I had sex with him, I slapped him on the back, which was pre-agreed. He was lay face down, I realised he had fallen asleep as he was making snoring noises. I ended up falling asleep whilst I was on top of him and I woke up 30 minutes later," the jury was told.
After waking and collecting a food delivery, Baxter said he noticed Barron had stopped snoring, had no breath, and his face had a purplish hue. He then called 999 and attempted CPR.
Medical Evidence and Charges
Paramedics who attended pronounced Michael Barron dead at the scene. A forensic pathologist, Dr Jamie Robinson, told the court a post-mortem examination revealed a curved abrasion on Barron's neck, possibly from a fingernail, and fractures to the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage.
Toxicology reports showed Barron's blood alcohol level was 417mg per 100ml, over five times the legal driving limit and above the level typically considered fatal. Dr Robinson suggested the death was likely due to multiple factors: extreme intoxication, being restrained in a prone position, pressure on the torso from someone lying on him, and compression to the neck.
Consultant neuropathologist Dr Daniel Du Plessis confirmed tests showed brain damage consistent with oxygen deprivation.
The court also heard that after the incident, Baxter allegedly used his phone to search: "If you accidentally kill someone by strangling them in sex do you go to prison," and messaged other men on Grindr.
Josh Baxter, of Lakeside Rise, Blackley, denies manslaughter, intentional strangulation or suffocation, and unlawfully causing grievous bodily harm. The trial continues.
