Teenagers Accused of Murder in Fatal Beach Attack on Kent's Isle of Sheppey
A harrowing murder trial has heard how a 16-year-old boy allegedly beat a 49-year-old man to death with a glass bottle and rocks after the victim approached his female friend at an amusement arcade. The incident occurred on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent during August last year, with the fatal confrontation captured on mobile phone footage.
Fatal Encounter on Leysdown-on-Sea Seafront
The court was told that Alexander Cashford, 49, met the teenagers – a 16-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl – at an arcade while they were on holiday. Mr Cashford reportedly gave the girl his telephone number, hinted at romantic intentions, and promised alcohol. Using the fake name 'Sienna', the teenagers then arranged to meet him by the sea wall two days later on August 10.
Prosecutors described how the 16-year-old boy followed Mr Cashford for approximately 850 metres along the Leysdown-on-Sea seafront. Shocking footage shows the teenager catching up with the victim and striking him across the back of the head with an empty glass bottle. Witnesses reported seeing the same boy hurling rocks described as 'cricket ball sized' at Mr Cashford's head on the beach.
Mobile Phone Footage Captures Brutal Assault
Jurors were shown mobile phone footage recorded by the 16-year-old girl during the attack. In the video, she can be heard screaming obscenities and calling Mr Cashford a 'paedophile' and 'nonce'. The footage shows the 16-year-old boy sneaking up from behind and striking the victim with the bottle, then chasing him as he attempted to flee toward the beach.
The court heard that the girl 'wanted to expose Mr Cashford as a paedophile and wanted to film any beating he got'. The 16-year-old boy later shared footage of the attack with three people, accompanied by the caption: 'f****d pedo up lol'.
Teenager Admits Manslaughter But Denies Murder
The 16-year-old boy has admitted manslaughter but denies murder. He told the court he planned to ambush Mr Cashford for 'trying to get' with the girl and was 'showing off' to his friends. When asked by prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC if he remembered 'fist bumping' with his male co-defendant before the attack, he replied 'yes'.
Under questioning, the boy claimed he thought hitting Mr Cashford with the bottle would just cause a 'bump' to the head and denied wanting to cause serious injury. He admitted possibly throwing a rock at the victim while chasing him but said he couldn't remember if he threw rocks while Mr Cashford was on the ground. The teenager also acknowledged he may have 'kicked him in the ribs with medium force'.
Multiple Defendants Face Justice
The 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl both deny murder and manslaughter charges. All three teenagers agreed it was a 'good idea' to move away from crowds on the promenade before attacking Mr Cashford, according to testimony.
Mr Cashford was later found dead on the beach with multiple injuries. Police conducted extensive searches around the Leysdown-on-Sea resort in the aftermath of the incident. The trial continues as jurors consider the evidence against all three defendants.
