A man has been found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the death of a man who was discovered in a canal in Birmingham six years ago. Cain Watson, aged 33, faced murder charges last year following 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.
Watson, residing on Dornie Drive in Kings Norton, maintained his innocence and stood trial at Birmingham Crown Court recently. The jury acquitted him of murder but convicted him of manslaughter in an 11 to one majority decision.
The body of Mr. Round was found by members of the public on a towpath in Kings Norton around 8:30 am on February 15, 2020. A post-mortem examination revealed fractures to his face, ribs, and neck, along with significant brain injuries. The cause of death was determined to be a combination of immersion and blunt force trauma.
During the trial, it was disclosed that Mr. Round and Watson were seen walking in opposite directions along the canal path before the incident. CCTV footage showed Watson entering the path and shouting was heard shortly after. No other individuals were observed in the vicinity at that time.
Prosecutor Ben Williams KC stated that Mr. Round had likely been assaulted with severe blows to his face, chest, and neck, leading to his death. Watson was eventually identified through a media appeal and admitted to being involved in a physical altercation with Mr. Round but claimed self-defense.
Following further investigation, Watson’s DNA was discovered on the victim’s jacket. He confessed to striking Mr. Round multiple times but contended that he acted in self-defense using reasonable force. Watson is awaiting sentencing at a later date.
