Three teenagers who killed Alexander Cashford on a beach in Leysdown have been sentenced.
Justice Cheema-Grubb gave the 16-year-old boy, who previously admitted manslaughter, a seven-year sentence.
The 16-year-old girl, who filmed the attack, also received a sentence of seven years.
The 15-year-old boy got a five-year sentence. Both he and the girl were found guilty of manslaughter at Woolwich Crown Court in February.
The three set upon Cashford, believing he was a paedophile after he gave the girl his number in a chance encounter in August 2025. Cashford, 49, was chased and hit with rocks and a bottle, while the 16-year-old boy kicked him on the ground.
The judge said that the three teenagers will serve half of their sentences in custody, with the rest on licence.
At the sentence hearing, the judge said “You are all young and you will still be young when you rejoin society. You did a terrible thing and are all paying a price for it, but there is great potential for you.”
The judge says that there is no other option but to impose a custodial sentence on the three teenagers.
“Custodial sentences for children should always be a last resort. I know as children a custodial sentence will have a greater impact on each of you than an adult who had committed a similar offence. However, I’ve come to the conclusion there is no other option than custody in this case.”
Det Sgt Alastair Worton of Kent police said “Alexander Cashford‘s life was cut short following a vicious attack carried out by a group of teenagers who plotted to meet him under false pretences. The devastating outcome of the offenders’ brutal actions that day has left a family grieving the loss of a loved one and young lives changed forever.”
“The sentencing imposed on the offenders reflects the conspiratorial nature of their behaviour and the tragic consequences of their crime. I would like to thank again the witnesses whose evidence helped secure the convictions in this case, and I hope that the sentences that have now been announced can be of some comfort to Alex’s family as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”
