Three Teenagers Convicted of Manslaughter Following Isle of Sheppey Beach Attack
London, 16 February 2026 – Three teenagers have been found guilty of the manslaughter of 49-year-old Alexander Cashford following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court. The trio, consisting of a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 15 and 16, were acquitted of murder but convicted for their roles in the fatal confrontation at Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey last August.
The Fatal Confrontation
The court heard that on 10 August 2025, Mr Cashford, an engineer, was lured to the north Kent coast under the impression he was meeting a 16-year-old girl. Upon his arrival, he was confronted by the group, branded a paedophile, and chased across the beach. During the attack, which was filmed by the defendants, Mr Cashford was struck with rocks and a bottle. He was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
While the prosecution initially sought murder convictions, the jury returned verdicts of manslaughter. One 16-year-old boy had entered a guilty plea to manslaughter prior to the trial’s conclusion, while the remaining two defendants were convicted by the jury today, 16 February 2026.
Case Details and Key Facts
The following table outlines the confirmed facts regarding the trial and the events leading to the conviction of the three defendants.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Alexander Cashford, 49 |
| Incident Date | 10 August 2025 |
| Location | Leysdown-on-Sea, Isle of Sheppey, Kent |
| Court | Woolwich Crown Court |
| Verdict Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Convictions | Manslaughter (All three defendants) |
| Defendants | One girl (16), two boys (15 and 16) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the teenagers originally charged with?
All three teenagers were originally charged with the murder of Alexander Cashford. However, following deliberations at Woolwich Crown Court, the jury cleared them of murder, finding them guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter instead.
Why can the defendants not be named?
Due to their ages (15 and 16), the defendants are subject to statutory reporting restrictions under UK law, which prohibit the publication of any details that might identify them while they are minors.
What was the motive for the attack?
The court heard that the teenagers lured Mr Cashford to the beach as part of what was described as a “childish escapade” or a “wish to name-and-shame.” They believed Mr Cashford was a paedophile and intended to confront him, filming the incident on their mobile phones.
When did the incident occur?
The attack took place on 10 August 2025. The trial concluded with the final verdicts being delivered today, 16 February 2026.