Man 'likely died of chest injuries after assault'

A man who was allegedly murdered by three teenagers likely died of chest injuries following an assault, a court has heard.

Alexander Cashford, 49, from Kent, was found with multiple injuries in Leysdown, on the Isle of Sheppey, on 10 August.

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.

Giving evidence at Woolwich Crown Court earlier, forensic pathologist Dr Anna Biddlestone, who carried out the post-mortem examination, told jurors Cashford had more than 30 external injuries on his body.

Jurors were previously 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.

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

Biddlestone said Cashford's external injuries included bruising, grazes and cuts.

When asked by prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC what she believed the most likely cause of death was, Biddlestone said: "Chest injuries. Because in my view that is the most likely mechanism by which the assault has impacted his death.

"And also ischaemic heart disease."

The jury has been told Cashford had previously suffered a heart attack and had a stent fitted.

Biddlestone told the court she found six of his left ribs had been fractured, and that while ribs can be fractured during resuscitation, it was "extremely uncommon" for them to all be on one side.

She told the court the rib fractures, in her view, were "more likely to be due to inflicted trauma – as a consequence of assault".

Prosecutors allege the 16-year-old boy kicked Cashford's chest.

When asked by Danny Moore KC, defending, if a single kick could fracture six ribs, Biddlestone said it would depend on which part of the foot was used, and the size of the foot.

There was at least 500ml (17 ounces) of blood in Cashford's left chest cavity, she added.

Cashford also had injuries in "protected sites", meaning areas of the body unlikely to hit the ground during a fall, including on his neck and on bones near his eyes, the jury heard.

The trial continues.

Additional reporting by PA.

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