Michael Ashcroft

Michael Ashcroft died after falling 70ft from a fifth floor flat balcony in John Nash Crescent, Hulme on 7 August 1983.

A 23-year-old barman was charged with his manslaughter but acquitted.

Michael Ashcroft had been the man's stepfather, having married his mother, but they had since started a homosexual relationship and had been living together.

They were having a row at the flat during which Michael Ashcroft began to taunt the man and jumped from one balcany to another.

However, it was claimed that the man then struck Michael Ashcroft on the leg as he crouched on the ledge, causing him to fall, although it was accepted that it was not his intention to cause death or serious injury. 

However, the man said that he had intended to drag Michael Ashcroft off the ledge when he moved towards him, but that Michael Ashcroft slipped and fell.

The man was tried on a charge of manslaughter at Manchester Crown Court in July 1984 but acquitted.

The flats in John Nash Crescent have since been demolished. The estate was abandoned in 1984 and demolished in 1993.