A man has been convicted of manslaughter over the death of another man whose body was found in a canal six years ago. Darren Round, aged 48, was discovered dead in the water near Masshouse Lane in Kings Norton on the morning of February 15, 2020. Cain Watson was later identified as a suspect and was finally charged with murder last year.
Trial and Verdict
The 33-year-old of Dornie Drive, Kings Norton, denied the offence and went on trial at Birmingham Crown Court at the start of this month. Today (Thursday, June 18) a jury found him not guilty of the charge, but guilty of the alternative count of manslaughter by a majority of 11 to one.
Details of the Incident
Mr Round's body was found in the water at 8.30am on February 15, 2020 by members of the public using a canalside path in Kings Norton. A post-mortem later revealed he had suffered fractures to his face, ribs and neck as well as significant brain damage. It concluded he had died from a combination of immersion and blunt force trauma.
Prosecutor Ben Williams KC, opening the case, said: "He was most likely still alive when he went into the water, though he may well have lost consciousness at or about the time he fell in." Police launched an investigation and analysis of CCTV revealed the 48-year-old's final movements before he went missing. The jury was told Mr Round and Watson were walking along the canal path in opposite directions.
The CCTV footage also recorded the sound of deep-voice shouting within minutes of Watson going on to the canal path. There was no evidence of anyone else on the route at the relevant times. Mr Williams said: "We, the prosecution, say Mr Round had been subjected to a serious assault involving a number of heavy blows to his face and chest, and his neck either being struck hard or more likely placed under severe, sustained pressure."
Investigation and Confession
Watson was interviewed by police in June 2021 after he was identified following a media appeal. He initially stated he knew nothing about the circumstances surrounding Mr Round's death. Watson claimed he was 'probably in pigeon park' - the grounds of St Philip's Cathedral in Birmingham city centre - at the time. When he was quizzed again in May 2024 he denied knowing Mr Round, but his DNA was found on the victim's jacket. Watson subsequently confessed he had an altercation with Mr Round and admitted he struck him repeatedly but claimed he acted with reasonable force to defend himself.
Sentencing will take place at a later date.
