Boy, 16, admits killing man he believed was paedophile in seafront attack

Boy, 16, admits killing man he believed was paedophile in Isle of Sheppey attack A post-mortem examination found Mr Cashford had facial and head injuries, bruises on his limbs and body, and fractured ribs that punctured his lung. Image:Alexander Cashford. Pic: Kent Police Thursday 15 January 2026 22:45, UK A 16-year-old has admitted killing a man he believed was a paedophile after allegedly luring him to a beach in a premeditated attack. Alexander Cashford, 49, died in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey after being chased by three teenagers, a trial has heard. The 16-year-old boy denies murder but on Thursday pleaded guilty to a secondary charge of manslaughter. Another boy, 15, and a 16-year-old girl, who are related, also deny murder. They pleaded not guilty to manslaughter The jury previously heard Mr Cashford had gone to visit the girl on 10 August last year after meeting her by chance in a amusement arcade two days before. He claimed to be 30 years old and exchanged around 75 messages with the trio under the belief he was texting "Sienna" - a fake name. Woolwich Crown Court was told he had asked if she liked champagne and said he wanted to kiss her before they met. Jurors heard the messages he received from "Sienna" suggested they meet at the empty home of her parents and told Mr Cashford to bring alcohol. The two boys allegedly followed the pair for some distance along the promenade before launching the attack in the Kent town. Video of Mr Cashford being chased and falling over was also played to the jury when prosecutors opened their case on Wednesday. Allegedly found on the 16-year-old boy's phone and filmed by the girl, a voice is heard shouting "f****** paedophile, I'm f****** 16" and "Get him". Read more from Sky News: Train fare evader with 112 convictions could be jailedNumber of abortions hits record high in England and Wales The clip showed Mr Cashford being hit over the head with a glass bottle as he scrambled to get away, The jury also heard witnesses had described the 16-year-old boy throwing rocks at his "already seemingly lifeless body and head". Prosecutors said he later shared the video with others alongside the caption "f***** pedo (sic) up lol". A post-mortem examination found Mr Cashford had facial and head injuries, bruises on his limbs and body, and fractured ribs that punctured his lung. The trial continues.

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