Three teenagers’ messages to a man, leading to his fatal assault, have been made public for the first time. In a tragic incident in Leysdown-on-Sea on August 10 last year, a 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were found guilty of the manslaughter of Alexander Cashford. A separate 16-year-old boy had previously admitted to a secondary charge of manslaughter.
The man had exchanged numbers with the girl after meeting her at an arcade. Using the alias Sienna, the teens communicated with Mr. Cashford and arranged a meeting near the sea wall. During the encounter, the girl and Mr. Cashford walked along the seafront while the two boys trailed behind.
Although initially accused of murder, all three teenagers, whose identities are protected, have been cleared of murder charges. They will face sentencing for their manslaughter convictions in a future hearing.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the 16-year-old boy used a glass bottle to strike Mr. Cashford on the head, as captured in a video on his phone. The footage showed the boys chasing Mr. Cashford while the girl encouraged the attack.
The trial disclosed that Mr. Cashford suffered severe injuries, including fractures that punctured his lung, leading to his tragic demise. A forensic examination detailed over 30 external injuries on his body, with Dr. Anna Biddlestone suggesting chest injuries as the likely cause of death, aggravated by preexisting heart issues.
Dr. Biddlestone further explained that the rib fractures were likely due to deliberate trauma rather than resuscitation efforts. Additionally, Mr. Cashford had injuries in areas suggesting targeted attacks, such as his neck and bones near his eyes.
