…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Two teenagers have been sentenced to prison for the manslaughter and arson of an 88-year-old pensioner, Josephine Smith, in Romford, northeast London, on October 28, 2021.
Kai Cooper, 19, and his 17-year-old friend bought fireworks and lighters, setting them off in the street, aiming at pedestrians, a nearby restaurant and pub, and parked cars.
Cooper handed a Megaburst firework to his friend, who put it through the letterbox of Josephine Smith’s home.
The pensioner died in the blaze, and her neighbours found her house on fire nearly two hours later.
Cooper was found guilty of manslaughter and arson, while his friend admitted the charges.
They both pleaded guilty to affray.
Cooper was sentenced to six and a half years in prison with an additional two years on licence, while the 17-year-old was sentenced to three years and eight months.
The Brutal Attack and Mental Health Difficulties
The court also heard that less than 24 hours before the arson, both teenagers were involved in a brutal attack on a woman, which was captured on film and posted on Snapchat.
The prosecutor said the first clip, shot by Cooper, showed the 17-year-old using a large pole and “lashing out” to strike the woman.
In a second clip, the woman is on the ground as the teenager “used his feet to attack her.”
Cooper repeatedly shouted “one boot to the face” and “stamp it”, while his friend “stamped his foot on the woman’s face”.
Both teenagers admitted the attack and were sentenced to youth detention last year.
The judge received victim impact statements from Josephine Smith’s family but asked for them not to be read in open court because he believed it would upset the teenagers, who have mental health difficulties.
Jenni Dempster KC, representing the younger teenager, said he is “deeply and genuinely remorseful, and he never intended or sought the consequences that happened.
He doesn’t seek forgiveness, but the regret and remorse he now feels is remarkable.”
The court heard he has ADHD and is on the autistic spectrum.
Analysis and Commentary
The tragic death of an innocent pensioner and the brutal attack on a woman, captured on film and posted on Snapchat, reflect the severe consequences of young people’s dangerous and irresponsible behaviour.
The court heard that the teenagers were aiming fireworks at pedestrians and vehicles, causing fear and alarm to passersby, before putting the firework through Josephine Smith’s letterbox.
The sentencing reflects the seriousness of their crimes and the devastating impact they have had on the victims and their families.
It is also concerning that the teenagers have mental health difficulties and were involved in such violent behaviour.
The case highlights the need for better support and intervention for young people with mental health issues and the importance of educating young people about the dangers of fireworks and other hazardous materials.