Teenagers jailed over fireworks attack on man, 76

Two teenagers, Nathan Otitodilchukwu and a 16-year-old, have been sentenced for the manslaughter of Robert Price, 76, who died after a fireworks attack on his Dagenham home. Otitodilchukwu was sentenced to six years, while the unnamed youth received two years and eight months for their roles in the incident. The court heard that Price had been the target of ongoing harassment, including vandalism, which left him socially isolated. Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC described how the firework attack was premeditated, with the defendants laughing and filming themselves prior to the incident. Judge Rebecca Trowler KC emphasized the recklessness of their actions, stating it was a planned assault with serious consequences.

Despite a neighbor's attempts to rescue Price, he was unable to escape the smoke and flames. Otitodilchukwu's comments to a support worker after the incident indicated his awareness of the gravity of the situation. The case highlights the tragic effects of youth violence and persistent harassment in communities.