A court heard that a man tragically lost his life during an encounter with another man driven by risky sexual behavior. Michael Barron, aged 38, passed away while meeting with Josh Baxter, 28, on January 26, 2025. The duo connected on the dating platform Grindr in January of the previous year and agreed to meet at Mr. Baxter’s residence.
According to the court proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court, jurors were informed that Mr. Baxter restrained Mr. Barron face-down on a bed, pressed down on him for an extended period, and allegedly strangled and suffocated him with such intensity that it resulted in a fracture of a neck bone and cartilage. This led to Mr. Barron experiencing cerebral hypoxia, causing a cardiac arrest and ultimately his demise.
Following the incident, Mr. Baxter purportedly conducted various online searches, including inquiries such as the potential legal repercussions of accidental death during a strangulation incident in a sexual context. He also allegedly searched for terms like “purple face while sleeping” and “if someone died during kinky sex would you go to prison.”
Mr. Baxter has refuted charges of manslaughter, intentional strangulation or suffocation, and unlawfully causing severe bodily harm. The trial is ongoing at Minshull Street Crown Court, with expectations that it will span around two weeks, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
During the prosecution’s opening statements, Anna Whyte KC highlighted Mr. Baxter’s particular sexual preferences, as discussed in messages with Mr. Barron on Grindr. The messages revealed Mr. Baxter’s inclinations towards rough activities and his inquiries about engaging in various explicit acts. Ms. Whyte KC emphasized that Mr. Baxter seemed inclined towards high-risk sexual behavior based on the communication exchanged with Mr. Barron.
While Mr. Barron appeared to consent to certain actions, the prosecution argued that this does not absolve Mr. Baxter of responsibility, asserting that he should have foreseen the potential harm his actions could cause. The prosecution suggested that Mr. Baxter willingly disregarded the risks involved due to the specific sexual activities he desired to engage in.
The court also heard details of the events leading up to the tragic incident, including the consumption of alcohol and attempts to obtain drugs. Prosecutors stated that Mr. Barron was found in a restrained position with injuries while Mr. Baxter engaged in various online activities post the incident.
In conclusion, Ms. Whyte KC characterized Mr. Baxter’s actions as extremely reckless and emphasized his apparent disregard for the welfare of Mr. Barron. She asserted that Mr. Baxter’s behavior, driven by a pursuit of sexual gratification, ultimately resulted in a preventable tragedy.
Mr. Baxter, residing in Lakeside Rise, Blackley, was apprehended the day after the incident and declined to provide a statement during police interrogation. He denies the charges of manslaughter, and the legal proceedings are ongoing.