Three youngsters communicated with a 49-year-old man under a false identity before his demise at a coastal retreat, as disclosed in court proceedings. Alexander Cashford, a Kent-based electrician, was discovered with multiple wounds in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey on August 10. Subsequently, a 16-year-old female and two male teenagers, aged 14 and 15, hailing from London, were accused of murder by joint enterprise on August 12.
According to Prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC, the trio initially encountered Alexander Cashford on August 8 the previous year in Leysdown-on-Sea. The girl obtained his phone number, and the teenagers messaged him using the alias ‘Sienna’, arranging a meeting at the sea wall on August 10, where the unfortunate incident occurred shortly after their encounter.
During the trial’s commencement, Ms. Blumgart recounted witness statements of the 16-year-old boy hurling rocks at Mr. Cashford and labeling him a “paedo.” One witness described the initial throw as forceful and erratic, causing significant impact.
“Mr. Cashford remained motionless, lying face down in the mud,” Ms. Blumgart stated. When a witness implored the defendants to cease their actions, the 16-year-old boy and girl resorted to derogatory language against the victim.
The identities of the three defendants remain undisclosed for legal purposes, with the revelation that the 16-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy share a familial bond. Kent Police responded to the altercation in the Warden Bay Road vicinity of Leysdown-on-Sea on August 10, where Mr. Cashford was found with severe injuries.
Each of the accused individuals denies the charge of murder, and the trial is ongoing.