A man reportedly lost his life following a meeting with an individual driven by high-risk sexual preferences, disclosed in court. Michael Barron, aged 38, tragically passed away during an encounter with Josh Baxter, aged 28, on January 26, 2025, as Minshull Street Crown Court was informed. The pair had connected on the dating app Grindr in January the previous year and had exchanged messages arranging to meet at Mr. Baxter’s residence, the court heard.
Jurors learned that Mr. Baxter allegedly restrained Mr. Barron face-down on the bed, laying atop him for an extended period and purportedly strangled and choked him with such intensity that it resulted in a fracture of a bone and cartilage in his neck. Subsequently, Mr. Barron experienced cerebral hypoxia, stemming from a lack of oxygen to the brain, leading to a cardiac arrest and his demise, as per court testimony.
Following the incident, Mr. Baxter purportedly conducted online searches, including inquiries such as “If you accidentally kill someone by strangling them in sex do you go to prison.” Additionally, searches for “purple face while sleeping” and “if someone died during kinky sex would you go to prison” were allegedly carried out.
Mr. Baxter refutes charges of manslaughter, intentional strangulation or suffocation, and unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm. The trial is ongoing at Minshull Street Crown Court, with the proceedings anticipated to last up to two weeks, according to reports from the Manchester Evening News.
Presenting the case for the prosecution, Anna Whyte KC stated that Mr. Baxter had specific sexual inclinations, shared with Mr. Barron in a Grindr message. In the communication, Mr. Baxter expressed a preference for “rough” activities and inquired if Mr. Barron would consent to actions like choking, tying up, pulling hair, spitting, verbal abuse, intoxication to the point of vulnerability, and physical violence. The court was informed that Mr. Baxter even broached the subject of engaging in rape role play.
“In essence, Josh Baxter’s sexual motivations were centered around high-risk sexual behavior,” highlighted Ms. Whyte KC. The messages exchanged depicted the pair discussing their sexual preferences, with Mr. Barron expressing a fondness for being “tied, gagged, hooded, totally helpless,” alongside a penchant for “pain and torture.” They made plans to meet later that day.
Ms. Whyte KC further elaborated on Mr. Baxter’s intentions, mentioning that upon Mr. Barron’s arrival at his flat, Mr. Baxter outlined a scenario where he would intoxicate Mr. Barron to a point of incapacitation and then subject him to sexual abuse. Even though Mr. Barron seemingly consented to these acts, the prosecution argued that Mr. Baxter should have foreseen the potential harm to Mr. Barron’s breathing and overall well-being.
The article continues to detail the events surrounding Mr. Barron’s visit to Mr. Baxter’s flat, their activities, and subsequent online searches and actions conducted by Mr. Baxter. The prosecution’s stance is summarized, emphasizing Mr. Baxter’s alleged recklessness and disregard for Mr. Barron’s safety, ultimately leading to a fatal outcome.
Concluding her opening statements, Ms. Whyte KC asserted that Mr. Baxter’s actions were not just reckless but knowingly exposed Mr. Barron to risks due to his pursuit of sexual gratification. The death of Michael Barron, according to the prosecution, was not an accident but a consequence of Josh Baxter’s heedless pursuit of pleasure.
Mr. Baxter, residing at Lakeside Rise, Blackley, was apprehended the following day and maintained silence during his police interrogation. He denies the charges of manslaughter as the trial progresses.
