Manchester: Five charged in connection with Gay Village death

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Five people have been charged over the death of a man who drowned in Manchester’s Gay Village.

The body of Simon Brass, 40, was found in a stretch of water near Canal Street in June 2012.

Paul Creedy, 20, of Gorton; Kieron Murray, 22, of Openshaw; Leah Garner, 20, and Jack Smith, 18, both of no fixed abode have been charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to rob.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has also been charged.

The BBC reports they are due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 11 April.

A post-mortem examination determined that Mr Brass, who lived in the Salford area, died from drowning.

Greater Manchester Police were called to Canal Street shortly before 2pm on Saturday 9 June last year after reports that a body had been seen floating in the water.