Three teenagers from London have entered not guilty pleas for the murder of a 49-year-old man during a holiday incident at a Kent seaside resort.
Fatal Altercation on the Isle of Sheppey
The case centres on the death of Alexander Cashford, who was pronounced dead at the scene on Warden Bay Road in Leysdown-on-Sea on the evening of August 10. Kent Police were called to reports of an altercation and discovered Mr Cashford with multiple injuries to his body.
The prosecution alleges that the assault was a violent incident involving rocks and a glass bottle. It has been suggested that Mr Cashford may have suffered a medical episode, such as a cardiac arrest, as a direct result of being chased and attacked. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Court Appearance and Pleas
At Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, the three accused – a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 16 – appeared via videolink. All three defendants, who cannot be named due to their age, confirmed their identities and entered pleas of not guilty to the charge of murder.
While the teenagers accept they were present at the scene, their legal defence denies any intent to kill. Family members of the accused were present in the public gallery during the proceedings.
Trial Logistics and Next Steps
A significant development in the case is the relocation of the trial. Originally scheduled to be held at Maidstone, the six-week trial has been moved to Woolwich Crown Court due to a significant backlog of cases at the Kent court. The trial is now fixed to begin on January 13, 2026.
Until then, the three teenagers will remain in youth detention accommodation. They are next due to appear in court for a case management hearing on December 19.
