The alleged crack cocaine user is accused of killing a grandfather-peacemaker by stepping in to stop a brawl during a night out celebrating his wife’s birth.
Kevin Wood (60) was attacked after he got into a fight outside of a Manchester bar on Saturday.
Callum Crosbie (21), of Newcastle upon Tyne is being charged with murder and manslaughter. He also faces affray as well as possession of a class A drug. Today, he appeared via video link at Manchester Crown Court for his preliminary hearing.
Callum Crosbie (left), 21, from Newcastle upon Tyne is being charged with murder. Kevin Wood, 60 (right), was assaulted following a disturbance at a Manchester City Centre bar.
Shortly after 8 p.m., police were dispatched to Dantzic Street near Printworks in order to stop a brawl.
According to the police, around 10 persons were involved. Mr Wood was just a passing motorist at the time, and was not involved in the original disturbance. He was attacked and then died on the spot.
According to some, Mr Wood from Middleton was a bricklayer who tried to be a peacemaker.
The couple had been out for a night to celebrate the wife’s special day.
Crosbie was also accused of manslaughter and affray, as well as possession of a class A drug.
Crosbie spent most of the hearing bowing his head and speaking only to confirm his name.
Crosbie’s friends and family were at the courthouse, some of them sobbing as the hearing began.
His family made a tribute to Mr Wood in a statement. They described him as a gentle man who was always thinking of others.
The two men said that Kevin, also known as Woody to his friends, was a special person and that he meant a lot to everyone who knew him.
“He was a hard worker, proud and loyal to his loved ones. He was kind, gentle, and soft-spoken.
Kevin was a loving husband, friend and soulmate to his wife. His only child, his stepdad, grandfather, brother, uncle, and great-grandfather. He was celebrating his wife’s 50th birthday. His memory will be missed.
“We are all devastated by his loss as a family.”
Crosbie was not granted bail, and he was placed in custody.
On January 14, 2019, he is due in court to attend a pre-trial plea hearing and a trial.
A trial date has been set for May 16, next year.
Shortly after 8pm, police were dispatched to Dantzic Street near Printworks in order to stop a brawl.