Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with the murder of Alexander Cashford, 49, who died following a violent assault on Leysdown beach on Sunday evening.
The defendants – a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 15, all from London – appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday) after being charged with murder by joint enterprise.
The case has been sent to Maidstone Crown Court, where they will appear on Thursday 14 August before a senior judge for the next stage of proceedings. All three have been remanded into secure accommodation.
The incident
Kent Police were called to the Warden Bay Road area shortly after 7:00pm on Sunday 10 August following reports of an altercation involving a small group of people.
Paramedics found Mr Cashford with multiple injuries to his head and body; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors allege the teenagers assaulted him as part of a pre-arranged meeting on the beach.
During the hearing, the prosecution outlined CCTV and video evidence showing Mr Cashford being struck on the back of the head with a glass bottle, kicked repeatedly while on the ground, and hit with rocks.
A 12-year-old girl, arrested on Tuesday in Basildon, Essex, in connection with the incident, remains in custody while inquiries continue.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police to contact them.
Anyone with information or relevant CCTV or dashcam footage should use the Major Incident Public Portal. Alternatively, call Kent Police on 01622 652006 quoting 46/139384/25.
You can also report anonymously, via Crimestoppers. Call 0800 555111 or complete the online form.
