A court sitting in Old Bailey, United Kingdom, on Monday, sentenced a Nigerian teenager, Nathan Otitodilichukwu, to six years imprisonment over the death of a retired septuagenarian, Robert Price, as a result of smoke fumes from a firecracker.
It was gathered in a statement by the UK Metropolitan Police on Tuesday that Otitodilchukwu, alongside another teenager, threw a firecracker into the apartment of the retiree through a window.
The statement narrated that the teenagers had approached the building on Saturday, July 27, 2024, with a firecracker in their hands but were deterred after the septuagenarian showed up at his door.
It continued, “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 attended along with 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.”
Following the death of the 76-year-old, the police launched an investigation and arrested Otitodilichukwu at his home; after he was questioned, he identified the second teenager with whom they were both involved in the incident.
The statement added that they were both brought before the court, where they pleaded guilty to manslaughter on February 11, 2025.
Following their guilty plea, Otitodilichukwu was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment while his accomplice was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
“An investigation was launched, and within two days of the incident, officers arrested Otitodilichukwu at his home.
“There, 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 Otitodilichukwu identified his involvement.
“Robert Price, 76, sadly 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 was sentenced to six years, the teenager received two years and eight months.”
Reacting, Detective Chief Inspector from Specialist Crime North, Phil Clarke, described the incident as a reckless act with devastating consequences.
He stressed that the judgment may bring solace to the family of the deceased retiree.
“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 I am pleased the defendants spared them the ordeal of a trial,” Clarke stated.
Credit: punchng.com
