Two teenagers have been jailed for the manslaughter of a pensioner who died after a firework was thrown into his property and caused a fatal fire.
Robert Price, 76, died as a result of the injuries he sustained during the fire at his home in Oval Road North, Dagenham on Saturday, 27 July 2024.
Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, of Crow Lane, Romford and a 16-year-old boy from Dagenham appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday, 2 June. Nathan was sentenced to six years. The teenager received a sentence of two years and eight months.
Both were convicted at the same court on Tuesday, 11 February, when the prosecution accepted their manslaughter pleas.
On the night of the incident, the 16-year-old threw a lit firework through a gap in a boarded-up window at the victim’s house. The incident was captured on both CCTV and doorbell footage, and showed Otitodilchukwu clearly “egging” his friend on.
Through their enquiries, detectives were able to establish that the defendants had met up earlier in the day and spent time in the local area, which included setting off fireworks in a park.
They then took a bus to the vicinity of the victim’s home, walking past several times.
At one point, Otitodilchukwu approached the property, a firework in hand, but was put off when the victim came to the door and ran off.
But a short time later, the defendants returned, and the 16-year-old climbed onto a gas meter outside the address, lit a firework and threw it into the address. A loud bang was heard, as well as the laughter of the defendants as they ran from the scene.
Following the incident, officers were joined by the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service. After firefighters forced entry to the property, Robert’s body was found, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as inhalation of fire fumes and burns.
An investigation was launched, and within two days of the incident, officers arrested Otitodilchukwu at his home. The officers found clothing matching that seen on CCTV footage from the scene.
Two days later, the 16-year-old was also arrested after enquiries into Otitodilchukwu identified his involvement.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, from Specialist Crime North, said, “This is a deeply tragic case, which saw a man lose his life in his own home after a completely mindless and reckless act had devastating consequences. The young defendants will now have to face the consequences of their actions by spending time in prison.
“I hope Robert’s family can take some solace in this outcome and am pleased the defendants spared them the ordeal of a trial. I would like to thank the London Fire Brigade for their initial response and the fire investigation which followed.”
Robert’s family said, “We are grateful to the CPS, police and social services for the work and support they have given us during this difficult time. We would ask that our privacy be respected to allow us to grieve in peace.”
