A teenager who killed a man after branding him a paedophile has described the moment he ambushed his victim in court, attempting to justify his violent actions. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, stated that he and his friends intended to 'hit' 49-year-old Alexander Cashford because the victim had begun messaging a schoolgirl.
Chance Encounter Leads to Fatal Confrontation
Mr Cashford had arranged to meet a 16-year-old girl after approaching her at an amusement arcade in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent during August last year. The court heard he hinted about romantic intentions and promised alcohol during their initial encounter. Unbeknownst to him, a group including the now 16-year-old defendant were lying in wait, prepared to attack because they believed his behaviour was 'wrong'.
The 16-year-old boy, the girl, and a 15-year-old boy all deny murder charges. Giving evidence with the assistance of an intermediary at Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London, the teenage defendant told defence counsel Danny Moore KC that the group planned to 'just meet up with him and hit him a few times' – claiming they had no intention of causing fatal injuries.
Planning and Execution of the Attack
When Mr Moore asked why they intended to assault the man, the boy replied: 'Because of what he said ... trying to get with a 16-year-old.' Questioned about his views on such behaviour, the teenager stated plainly: 'I think it’s wrong.'
The court heard how the trio exchanged messages with Mr Cashford using the fake name Sienna, arranging to meet him by the sea wall on August 10. This meeting occurred two days after he gave the girl his business card following their chance encounter. The boy testified that he and others planned to wait for the girl and Mr Cashford to walk ahead before launching their assault.
Mobile Phone Evidence Reveals Violent Details
Jurors were shown mobile phone footage that appeared to depict the boy picking up a beer bottle and striking Mr Cashford with it. The defendant told the court: 'I saw the bottle. Nothing was planned or anything, I just saw it and picked it up.'
He further described chasing the victim around a hill, pushing him so he stumbled. According to his testimony, Mr Cashford then picked up a rock, causing the teenager to back off momentarily and warn others that the victim was armed.
Aftermath and Medical Evidence
The boy claimed Mr Cashford ran off but fell down, after which he kicked his prone victim 'lightly' in the side. This action followed the girl's assertion that Mr Cashford had hurt the 15-year-old boy during the confrontation. The group subsequently left Mr Cashford face down and casually walked back into town.
A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Cashford sustained injuries to his face and head, bruises on his limbs and body, and several fractured ribs that had punctured his lung. He was pronounced dead just over an hour after meeting the 16-year-old girl on the seafront.
Digital Evidence and Arrest
Police later discovered a video recording on the 16-year-old boy's phone, which prosecutors allege was filmed by the girl. In the footage, she is said to shout 'f****** paedophile, I'm f****** 16' and 'get him'. The boy admitted sending a recording of part of the attack to three other people, explaining he was 'showing off'.
The group were arrested within approximately thirty minutes after an eyewitness helped guide police to their location. The court heard the defendant expressed surprise at being arrested on suspicion of murder, telling officers: ‘I’m a big guy. If I wanted to kill him, I would have done.’
Reflecting on his arrest, the boy told jurors: 'I was surprised. The way I saw it, I didn't do enough damage.' While the teenager admits manslaughter, both the girl and the 15-year-old boy deny this lesser charge. The trial continues at Woolwich Crown Court.
