A 28-year-old man is on trial accused of killing another man during what prosecutors described as “high-risk sexual activity” after the pair met on the dating app Grindr.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Michael Barron, 38, died after meeting Josh Baxter at Baxter’s flat in Blackley in January last year. Prosecutors allege Baxter encouraged Mr Barron to drink large amounts of alcohol until he was unconscious, before restraining him face-down on a bed and strangling him during sex.
The court was told Mr Barron suffered cerebral hypoxia and cardiac arrest, and died as a result of a lack of oxygen to the brain. A post-mortem found fractures to a bone and cartilage in his neck.
Jurors heard that after the incident Baxter allegedly ordered food, messaged other men on Grindr and carried out a series of Google searches, including: “If you accidentally kill someone by strangling them in sex do you go to prison.” He later called 999, but prosecutors said he showed “at best an indifference” to Mr Barron’s welfare.
Opening the case, prosecutor Anna Whyte KC told the court Baxter had expressed “quite specific sexual interests” involving rough and controlling behaviour, which he had discussed with Mr Barron before they met. While Mr Barron had consented to some acts, the prosecution said consent was no defence if Baxter foresaw the risk of serious harm.
Mr Baxter denies manslaughter, intentional strangulation or suffocation, and unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm. The trial is expected to last up to two weeks and continues.
SOURCE: Manchester Evening News
26th February 2026 – UPDATE
