A man who died following an alleged assault on a beach was recently spared jail for stalking and was once described by police as a “one-man crime wave”.
Alexander Cashford was declared dead by paramedics after they were called to an area off Warden Bay Road, Leysdown, at around 7pm on Sunday, following reports of an altercation.
The 49-year-old appeared in court earlier this year, accused of following a young woman home from work and visiting her house in the early hours, where he posted a chocolate bar and a letter through her door.
He visited the address in Gillingham twice, first at 1.39am and then at 1.46am on March 9.
Appearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on March 17, he admitted a charge of stalking involving serious alarm and distress and was placed on a month’s curfew and fitted with a tag which was to remain in place until September 16.
According to MailOnline, magistrates warned him to refrain from contacting the woman he followed, to keep away from her address, and he was also banned from the Hempstead Valley shopping centre in Gillingham.
The electrician was previously jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty to multiple counts of theft from vehicles.
As previously reported by KentOnline, he stole more than 100 sets of fog lights from cars across the country and even sold one item back to its original owner.
He identified a gap in the market after the introduction of LED running lights, which were costly to replace if bought directly from dealers.
It’s estimated the thefts totalled more than £63,000 of vehicle parts from cars, including Mercedes, Vauxhalls, Audis, Citroens and Fords.
He even sold a vehicle badge back to the man he had stolen it from.
The Vauxhall Insignia badge was stolen from the car, which had been parked in a car park in Gravesend in January 2014.
Looking to find a replacement, the owner had searched eBay and purchased another badge, and it was later discovered Cashford had been the seller.
Detectives raided his home in December 2014 and seized a large amount of vehicle parts hidden behind a bath panel.
More parts were found in his garage, and further searches revealed proof of postage receipts for parcels and £6,000 hidden in a bedroom.
He was arrested and charged a few days later and admitted to almost 200 offences relating to vehicle theft, money laundering and making off without payment.
DC Sarbjeet Khattoare, who investigated the crime spree, said: “Cashford can best be described as a one-man crime wave who identified an illegal gap in the market to turn over a quick profit.
“With the introduction of LED light technology into newer cars, he recognised that people would be looking for cheaper alternatives when parts needed replacing.
“By stealing the lights, he was able to make thousands whilst the victims of the crime often were left having to stump up the cash to find replacements.”
Cashford, who had a home in Warden Bay near the scene of his death, targeted vehicles in Rochester, Rainham, Gravesend, Dartford, Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Bexley, Welling and Sidcup.
A 16-year-old girl and two boys, aged 14 and 15, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, charged with murdering him.
Medway magistrates heard how the three Londoners, who can’t be named due to their age, were on holiday on Sheppey.
This afternoon, magistrates remanded all three into youth detention accommodation.
They are now due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court tomorrow (Thursday) for a further hearing.
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 police on 01622 652006 quoting 46/139384/25.
You can also report anonymously, via Crimestoppers. Call 0800 555111 or complete the online form.
