Three London teens are accused of murdering 49-year-old Alexander Cashford on a quiet beach in Sheppey. Chilling courtroom claims say one shouted “you’re a paedo” as they chased Mr Cashford moments before he died.
Beach Horror: Teen Chase Ends in Death
Alexander Cashford, from Minster, was killed on the evening of Sunday, August 10, 2025, near Warden Bay Road, Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey. The accused trio – a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 15 and 16 – all from London – deny murder.
Prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC revealed the grim backstory as the trial got underway. The teens were holidaying in Leysdown when they met Cashford “by chance” on August 8. The victim gave the girl his phone number.
“They set up a plan for ‘Sienna’ — a fake name used to contact Mr Cashford — to meet him by the beach wall two days later,” said Ms Blumgart.
Witnesses Describe Brutal Beach Attack
- Onlookers saw Cashford and two boys “running” and “chasing each other” on the beach.
- A dog walker overheard Cashford shouting for help.
- The older boy shouted, “You are a paedo. She was only 16.”
- Cashford was spotted face down in the mud while the eldest boy allegedly hurled rocks and a “cricket ball-sized” block at his head and stomach.
- Witnesses noted a “ping pong ball-sized” lump on his head and saw him struggling to breathe before emergency services arrived.
- The accused reportedly shouted, “He is a f***ing paedophile” when told to stop the attack.
Inside the Courtroom: Trial in Full Swing
The trial is underway at Woolwich Crown Court, presided over by High Court Judge Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb. The jury has 14 members, but only 12 will hear the evidence.
Because of their ages, the teens will sit in the court well with barristers, not in the dock. No wigs or gowns will be worn by court staff during the trial.
Defence lawyers admit their clients were present but deny any serious harm was intended. The trial is expected to last six weeks, with the prosecution set to continue their opening statements tomorrow.
