A man standing trial for the supposed killing of his Grindr date has shared the moment he witnessed his alleged victim turn ‘purple’. Michael Barron, aged 38, had agreed to meet Josh Baxter for a sexual encounter following their connection on the dating app in January of the preceding year. The meeting took place at Mr. Baxter’s residence in Blackley, located in the northern part of Manchester.
Mr. Barron was found deceased in the apartment on 26 January, having suffered from cerebral hypoxia, a condition resulting from inadequate oxygen supply to the brain, leading to cardiac arrest. Prosecutors argue that Mr. Baxter had a ‘sexual motivation for high-risk sexual activity’ and that he strangled and asphyxiated Mr. Barron with such force that it caused bone and cartilage fractures.
Mr. Baxter, aged 28, denies the charges of manslaughter and is currently undergoing trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester. Evidence presented indicates that the duo initially connected on Grindr before continuing their communication on WhatsApp.
During their conversations, Mr. Baxter, who claimed to work at Wetherspoons, allegedly expressed his preference for ‘rough’ activities to Mr. Barron, including choking, tying up, pulling hair, spitting, name-calling, getting the other person drunk, defenseless, and punching. The court proceedings also revealed discussions about engaging in ‘rape role play’ and Mr. Barron’s desires for being ‘tied, gagged, hooded, totally helpless’, and experiencing ‘pain and torture’. Mr. Baxter, testifying for the first time during the trial, described these exchanges as purely ‘fantasy’ and ‘role play’, denying any intent to harm Mr. Barron.
According to Mr. Baxter’s account, Mr. Barron arrived at his flat at 4.27pm. They engaged in friendly conversations, including sharing their favorite movies, before their discussion shifted to sexual topics and boundaries. Mr. Baxter claimed that Mr. Barron did not mention having a ‘safe word’.
After consuming wine and vodka, the pair left the flat to buy more alcohol. They returned, kissed in the living room, and then moved to the bedroom where intimate activities ensued. Mr. Baxter admitted to applying intermittent pressure while choking Mr. Barron for about five seconds, followed by engaging in sexual intercourse. He stated that Mr. Barron showed no signs of discomfort and even requested to be tied up.
Mr. Baxter mentioned that Mr. Barron expressed satisfaction with their encounter, leading to cuddling. Later, as Mr. Baxter fell asleep on top of Mr. Barron, he noticed his snoring. Upon awakening and preparing food, he observed a change in Mr. Barron’s complexion to a ‘light purple’ hue. Despite initially thinking Mr. Barron was sleeping, Mr. Baxter realized the seriousness of the situation when he returned with food and found Mr. Barron unresponsive. He attempted first aid measures, including untying him and performing CPR before seeking emergency assistance.
During the trial, Mr. Baxter explained his actions and thoughts following the incident, expressing his lack of intent to harm Mr. Barron. The jury was informed of Mr. Baxter’s denial of any intentions to cause harm during their sexual activities. Mr. Baxter, who resides in Blackley, maintains his plea of not guilty to manslaughter charges.