A teenager has admitted to unintentionally causing the death of a 49-year-old man he accused of being a paedophile by luring him to a beach.
The victim, Alexander Cashford, an electrician from Kent, was discovered with severe head and facial injuries in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey on August 10. Despite medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Three individuals, a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 15 and 16, are currently facing trial at Woolwich Crown Court for the alleged murder of Mr. Cashford, a claim they all contest.
During the proceedings, the 16-year-old boy, who remains anonymous due to legal constraints, confessed to a reduced charge of manslaughter. Conversely, the 16-year-old girl and the 15-year-old boy entered pleas of not guilty to the manslaughter charge.
Evidence presented to the jury revealed that Mr. Cashford had exchanged contact information with the girl on August 8 after meeting her at an arcade. Going by the alias Sienna, the trio corresponded with Mr. Cashford and agreed to meet him near the sea wall on August 10.
Upon meeting the girl at the designated location, Mr. Cashford strolled along the seafront with her while the two teenage boys trailed behind. It was disclosed in court that at one instance, the 16-year-old boy picked up an empty glass bottle.
Authorities found a video on the boy’s phone, purportedly recorded by the girl, where she is heard shouting derogatory remarks towards Mr. Cashford, labeling him a paedophile. The video also captures the boy brandishing the glass bottle, striking Mr. Cashford on the head and aiming blows at his upper body.
Witnesses testified that as Mr. Cashford attempted to flee, the boys pursued him, causing him to collapse on the ground. They further described the 16-year-old boy hurling sizeable rocks at Mr. Cashford’s motionless body and head.
Following his apprehension, the 16-year-old boy allegedly shared footage of the incident with three individuals, accompanied by a caption mocking the victim.
The trial is ongoing.