Three teenagers accused of murdering 49-year-old Alexander Cashford during a violent incident on a Sheppey beach will face trial in January, a court has heard.
A 16-year-old girl and two boys, aged 14 and 15, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (14 August) for separate hearings. The girl and 14-year-old attended in person, while the 15-year-old appeared via video link.
Mr Cashford, an electrician with a home in Warden Bay, died following an altercation in the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown on Sunday evening, 10 August. The alleged attack involved a glass bottle and rocks.
Police were called at around 7.30pm, where Mr Cashford was found with multiple injuries. Despite CPR being administered by members of the public, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutor Craig Evans told the court that while post-mortem examinations are ongoing, it is possible Mr Cashford suffered a fatal medical episode, such as a cardiac arrest, brought on by being chased and attacked.
The defendants, who are from London and Essex, were arrested shortly after the incident. They were charged on 13 August and remanded into youth detention accommodation.
Judge Oliver Saxby KC allowed the two defendants present in court to sit with their legal teams instead of the dock and removed his wig and gown to make proceedings less formal, referring to them as “children.”
Bail was refused, with Judge Saxby explaining directly to each teen why they would remain in custody.
The case will return to court on 6 November for a plea and trial preparation hearing. A High Court judge is scheduled to preside over the trial, which is expected to begin on 13 January and last up to six weeks.
Police also confirmed that a 12-year-old girl arrested in Basildon in connection with the case has been released on bail.
Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses, CCTV or dashcam footage. Information can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling Kent Police on 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/139384/25.
Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
