Man died on beach with 'significant heart disease'

A man who died on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent after being chased by teenagers had "significant heart disease" which could be exacerbated by adrenaline, a court has heard.

Alexander Cashford, 49, from Kent, was found with multiple injuries in Leysdown on 10 August, Woolwich Crown Court was told.

A 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 15 and 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have all denied murder. The 16-year-old boy has admitted manslaughter, which the others deny.

Prosecutors said Cashford was chased and hit with rocks and a bottle before he was found lying face down in mud.

Danny Robinson KC, defence counsel for the girl, asked forensic pathologist Dr David Rouse what he thought the cause of death was.

"It's reasonable to assume his heart disease was the underlying factor precipitated by the trauma of being struck and the physical chase," Rouse said.

"He had sufficient heart disease to account for sudden death but you cannot divorce that from the fact you have an individual subject to an interaction, then a chase and that could well precipitate cardiac arrest and death."

Earlier the jury was told Cashford had previously had a heart attack and had a stent fitted.

The court had previously heard Cashford had more than 30 external injuries on his body.

Rouse said the rib fractures Cashford suffered could have been "caused by the prolonged CPR administered by both members the public and paramedics following his collapse".

The doctor said the abrasions could have been "caused by falling on rocky ground and the resuscitation attempt on that ground".

"The overall extent of injuries do not readily support a significant assault," he said.

The court was earlier told the 49-year-old had given the girl his number on 8 August after meeting her at an amusement arcade.

Using the fake name Sienna, the trio exchanged messages with Cashford and arranged to meet him by the sea wall on 10 August.

The trial has been shown mobile phone footage, which the prosecution said was filmed by the girl, showing Cashford running and falling over, and an apparent pursuer falling over him.

Jurors were previously told that the girl shouted, called Cashford a paedophile and said she was 16, while filming the attack.

The trial continues.

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