Key Points:
- 76-year-old Robert Price died from a fire caused by a firework thrown into his home.
- Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, and a 16-year-old, whose identity remains protected, have pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
- The fire occurred on July 27 at Mr Price’s home in Dagenham, caused by a group of males throwing a lighted flare into the property.
- Mr Price’s cause of death was confirmed as inhalation of fire fumes and burns.
- The sentencing of Otitodilchukwu and the 16-year-old has been postponed to May.
- The Old Bailey heard that Otitodilchukwu did not throw the firework but was involved in starting the fire.
- The incident occurred in Oval Road North, Dagenham, at around 6 pm.
Robert Price, 76, tragically died in a fire at his home in Oval Road North, Dagenham, on July 27, 2024. The fire was sparked when a group of individuals threw a lighted firework or flare into his property. Despite the arrival of paramedics, Mr Price was declared dead shortly before 6pm, and the cause of death was later confirmed as “inhalation of fire fumes and burns.”
Who is responsible for the fire and the death of Robert Price?
Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, from Romford, and a 16-year-old minor have both admitted to manslaughter charges in relation to Mr Price’s death. Otitodilchukwu was not directly responsible for throwing the firework but was part of the group that instigated the fire. The teenager and the minor were due to be sentenced on April 25, but their hearing has been postponed until May 2025.
What is the legal status of the teenagers involved in the Dagenham fire incident?
Both Otitodilchukwu and the 16-year-old have pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a charge resulting from their involvement in the deadly incident. The court proceedings at the Old Bailey revealed that the pair were part of a group of males seen approaching Mr Price’s home and throwing a lighted flare into the property.
What was the cause of Robert Price’s death?
According to a forensic post-mortem report, the cause of Robert Price’s death was inhalation of fire fumes and burns. The fire, which resulted from the firework being thrown into the house, led to the fatal injuries that led to his untimely passing.
