A Nigerian teenager, Nathan Otitodilichukwu, has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Old Bailey court in the United Kingdom for manslaughter following the death of 76-year-old retired man Robert Price.
The cause of death was linked to smoke inhalation and burns resulting from a firecracker incident.
According to a statement released by the UK Metropolitan Police on Tuesday, Otitodilichukwu and another teenager threw a firecracker into the victim’s apartment through a window.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 27, 2024, when the teenagers initially approached the building with a firecracker but were deterred when Mr. Price appeared at his door.
However, they returned shortly after. The 16-year-old then climbed onto a gas meter outside the property, ignited the firecracker, and threw it inside.
Witnesses heard a loud explosion followed by the teenagers’ laughter as they fled the scene.
Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service, responded promptly. Firefighters forced entry and discovered Mr. Price’s body, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as inhalation of fire fumes and burns.
Following the tragedy, police launched an investigation that led to Otitodilichukwu’s arrest at his residence.
During questioning, he identified the second teenager involved. Both teenagers later pleaded guilty to manslaughter on February 11, 2025.
Otitodilichukwu received a six-year prison sentence, while his accomplice was sentenced to two years and eight months.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke of Specialist Crime North described the incident as a reckless act with tragic consequences.
He expressed hope that the verdict would bring some relief to Mr. Price’s family.
“This case is deeply tragic, with a man losing his life in his own home due to a senseless and reckless act. The young offenders will now face the repercussions of their actions in prison,” Clarke said.
He added that he was glad the defendants’ guilty pleas spared the family the trauma of a trial.
