A man has been found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the death of a man whose body was discovered in a canal in Birmingham six years ago. Cain Watson, aged 33, faced a murder charge last year in relation to the death of 48-year-old Darren Round, whose body was located in the water near Masshouse Lane in Kings Norton on February 15, 2020.
After denying the offense, Watson stood trial at Birmingham Crown Court earlier this month. The jury reached a verdict of not guilty for murder but convicted him of manslaughter by a majority decision of 11 to one.
The victim, Mr. Round, was found by members of the public using the towpath in Kings Norton at around 8:30 a.m. on February 15, 2020. A post-mortem examination revealed fractures to his face, ribs, and neck, along with substantial brain damage. The cause of death was determined to be a mix of immersion and blunt force trauma.
During the trial, it was disclosed that CCTV footage captured the final movements of Mr. Round before his disappearance. The footage showed both him and Watson walking in opposite directions along the canal path. Sounds of shouting were recorded shortly after Watson entered the area, with no other individuals present at the time.
Prosecutor Ben Williams KC stated that Mr. Round had likely endured a severe assault involving multiple heavy blows to his face and chest, with his neck potentially under intense pressure. Watson, identified following a media appeal, initially denied knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death. However, his DNA was later found on the victim’s jacket.
In a subsequent interview with the police, Watson admitted to engaging in an altercation with Mr. Round and striking him multiple times, claiming self-defense using what he deemed reasonable force. Sentencing for Watson will take place at a later date.