Music row death: man walks free

A 27-year-old Chadderton man accused of unlawfully killing a neighbour has walked free from court.

It had been alleged that James Barfoot killed Michael Moran after the 63-year-old complained about loud music. But after hearing medical evidence, a jury cleared him.

The jury was directed by the judge, Mrs Justice Swift, to find Mr Barfoot not guilty of manslaughter after doubt was cast on medical evidence about the cause of death.

It had been claimed that Mr Barfoot had thrown three blows in retaliation after Mr Moran struck him once — it was probably the third that caused a fatal brain bleed.

But after hearing medical evidence and legal arguments the prosecution offered no further evidence.

Mr Barfoot, of Lancing Walk, Chadderton, was discharged from the dock.

During his trial, Liverpool Crown Court heard that Mr Moran and his wife endured loud music coming from Mr Barfoot’s home on Saturday, July 26. After several requests to turn the music down, Mr Moran punched his neighbour in the face. Mr Barfoot hit him back, causing Mr Moran’s head to rock backwards.

Mr Barfoot almost immediately punched him in the face again — then struck a third blow, alleged Rick Holland, prosecuting.

Mr Moran, a retired fork lift truck driver, was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. When interviewed, Mr Barfoot denied punching Mr Moran.