A teenager who was accused of leading a 49-year-old man he alleged was a pedophile to a beach has admitted to manslaughter charges.
Alexander Cashford, an electrician from Kent, was discovered in a prone position in mud with severe head and facial injuries in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey on August 10. He was declared 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 death of Mr. Cashford, a charge that all three have refuted.
Recently, the 16-year-old boy, whose identity is protected by law, confessed to a lesser charge of manslaughter. In contrast, the 16-year-old girl and the 15-year-old boy pleaded not guilty to the same charge.
According to court records, Mr. Cashford had given his contact details to the girl on August 8 after they met at an arcade. Using the alias Sienna, the trio communicated with Mr. Cashford and arranged to meet him by the sea wall on August 10.
During their encounter, the 16-year-old girl and Mr. Cashford strolled together along the waterfront while the two teenage boys trailed behind. The court was informed that at one juncture, the 16-year-old boy picked up an empty glass bottle.
A video found on the 16-year-old boy’s phone by the authorities, allegedly filmed by the girl, shows her shouting derogatory remarks towards Mr. Cashford and instructing the other boy to attack him. The footage depicts the 16-year-old boy hitting Mr. Cashford with the glass bottle on his head and upper body.
As Mr. Cashford attempted to flee, he fell to the ground, where the 16-year-old boy purportedly threw rocks at his motionless body and head, as stated by witnesses.
Following his apprehension, prosecutors claim that the 16-year-old boy shared video clips of the assault with three individuals, accompanied by a derogatory caption towards Mr. Cashford.
The trial is ongoing.
