A murder trial has heard how a 49-year-old electrician died after a violent altercation at a Kent seaside resort, with teenage defendants accused of beating him while shouting abusive claims.
Fatal Encounter on the Isle of Sheppey
Alexander Cashford, from Kent, was discovered with severe injuries in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey on August 10. The court was told he had met a 16-year-old girl and two boys, aged 14 and 15, just two days earlier on August 8. All three defendants are from London.
Prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC informed jurors at Woolwich Crown Court that Mr Cashford had given the girl his phone number. Subsequently, the teenagers contacted him using the fake name 'Sienna' to arrange a second meeting by the sea wall on the day of his death.
Allegations of a Vicious Attack
The prosecution stated that witnesses saw the 15-year-old boy throwing rocks at Mr Cashford while calling him 'a paedo'. One witness described the throws as 'frantic' and powerful. Ms Blumgart said Mr Cashford was lying face down in the mud and did not react during this assault.
When a bystander shouted at the group to stop, the 16-year-old boy allegedly yelled 'he's a f****** peadophile', with the girl also repeating the slur. The court heard the teenage girl and the 15-year-old boy are related.
Police Response and Injuries Detailed
Kent Police were called to the Warden Bay Road area following reports of a disturbance. Witnesses described finding Mr Cashford with a very badly damaged nose, external bleeding, and a lump the size of a ping pong ball on the back of his head.
He was pronounced dead just over an hour after meeting the teenagers. The three youths were charged with murder by joint venture on August 12.
Trial Proceedings and Denials
The three defendants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, each deny one count of murder. The trial at Woolwich Crown Court continues as the jury hears evidence about the events leading to the death of Alexander Cashford.
