Two Teenagers Jailed for Manslaughter After Firework Kills Dagenham Pensioner Robert Price

A tragic and senseless act of recklessness has resulted in the death of 76-year-old Robert Price and the jailing of two teenagers, whose actions led to a fatal house fire in Dagenham. On Monday, 2 June 2025, the Old Bailey sentenced 18-year-old Nathan Otitodilchukwu, of Romford, to six years in prison, while a 16-year-old boy from Dagenham was sentenced to two years and eight months for their roles in the manslaughter of Mr. Price.

The fire, which occurred on the night of Saturday, 27 July 2024, tore through Mr. Price’s home on Oval Road North. It was started when the younger of the two defendants threw a lit firework through a gap in a boarded-up window. The explosion and resulting blaze led to Mr. Price suffering fatal injuries. He was found dead at the scene by firefighters, and a post-mortem later confirmed that he died from inhalation of fire fumes and burns.

The court heard harrowing details of the incident. On the evening in question, both defendants had spent time loitering in the local area, setting off fireworks in a nearby park. Their movements were captured by CCTV and doorbell footage, which became crucial to the investigation. The videos revealed the teens repeatedly walking past the pensioner’s property, laughing and encouraging each other. At one point, Otitodilchukwu approached the home with a firework in hand but fled when Mr. Price came to the door. Undeterred, the two returned shortly thereafter.

The 16-year-old was seen climbing onto a gas meter outside the residence. He lit a firework and threw it into the home through a window gap. Moments later, a loud bang was heard, followed by the unmistakable laughter of the teens as they fled the scene. The footage was described as chilling by those involved in the case—both for its clarity and the callousness displayed.

Emergency services—including the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service—arrived swiftly, but by then, the fire had already claimed Mr. Price’s life. An intense investigation was launched immediately, and within 48 hours, officers arrested Otitodilchukwu at his home. There, they found clothing that matched what he was wearing in the CCTV footage. The 16-year-old was arrested shortly afterward, following further evidence that linked him directly to the crime.

During the trial, the prosecution accepted pleas of manslaughter from both teens. The judge remarked that while they may not have intended to kill, their actions showed a reckless disregard for human life. Otitodilchukwu’s role in encouraging the act—and failing to stop it—was considered in the sentencing.

In a brief but heartfelt statement, Robert Price’s family expressed gratitude to the Crown Prosecution Service, the police, and social services for their work and support throughout the ordeal. They requested privacy as they continue to grieve the loss of a beloved father, grandfather, and friend.

“This case serves as a stark reminder of how a moment of recklessness can have devastating, irreversible consequences,” said a Metropolitan Police spokesperson following the sentencing. “Robert Price was an elderly man, living alone, and he tragically lost his life in his own home because of a senseless prank involving fireworks. Our thoughts remain with his family and everyone who knew him.”

The case has also sparked renewed calls for tighter controls on the sale and use of fireworks, particularly among young people. Many are urging community leaders and lawmakers to take a closer look at how such dangerous items are accessed and misused.

As the community of Dagenham mourns the loss of one of its senior residents, the tragedy of Robert Price’s death stands as a sobering lesson—about responsibility, peer influence, and the potential cost of carelessness. While justice has been served, the emotional scars left behind will take far longer to heal.

Rest in peace, Robert Price. You deserved better.