A UK court sitting at the Old Bailey on Monday sentenced 18-year-old Nigerian, Nathan Otitodilichukwu, to six years in prison for the manslaughter of 76-year-old Robert Price, who died after inhaling smoke from a firework thrown into his home.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the UK’s Metropolitan Police, Otitodilichukwu and another teenager were involved in the tragic incident that occurred on July 27, 2024.
The duo had initially approached Price’s home in Dagenham with a lit firework but were deterred when the elderly man came to the door.
Shortly after, they returned to the property. One of the teenagers climbed onto a gas meter outside the building, ignited the firework, and hurled it through a window.
The explosion was followed by laughter as the teenagers fled the scene.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, arrived at the house shortly after. Firefighters forced entry and found Price’s body inside.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem later confirmed the cause of death as inhalation of fire fumes and burns.
Police launched an investigation and arrested Otitodilichukwu at his home within two days.
Evidence found at the scene, including CCTV footage and clothing matching what he wore during the attack, linked him to the crime. He later identified his accomplice, who was subsequently arrested.
Both teens pleaded guilty to manslaughter on February 11, 2025. While Otitodilichukwu received a six-year prison sentence, the second teenager was handed a sentence of two years and eight months.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke of Specialist Crime North described the case as a senseless act that led to a devastating loss.
“This is a deeply tragic case in which a man lost his life in his own home due to a reckless and mindless act.
The young defendants will now face the consequences of their actions in prison,” Clarke said.
He added that the sentencing may offer some comfort to the victim’s family and expressed relief that the guilty pleas spared them the trauma of a full trial.