BREAKING: Teenager found guilty of manslaughter and arson following death of pensioner in Harold Wood.

19 year old Cooper placed a firework through the letterbox of Mrs Smith who died in the house fire in November 2021.

Kai Cooper, 19 of Cleeve Court, Leatherhead appeared for trial at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 8 February where he pleaded guilty to affray. He had previously pleaded not guilty to arson and manslaughter. 

Today, Friday, 17 February the jury found him guilty of manslaughter and arson. 

He was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing on a date to be scheduled in due course. 

The charges relate to the death of 88-year-old Josephine Smith, on Thursday, 28 October 2021 at Queens Park Road, Harold Wood.

At 22:17hrs London Fire Brigade were called to reports of a fire at a residential premises.

Mrs Smith was found inside the address and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination on Sunday, 31 October 2021 gave the cause of her death as smoke inhalation.

A police enquiry led to the arrest of a 17-year-old boy [then 15-years-old] and Cooper.

A firework was recovered at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley from the Met’s Specialist Crime said: “This was a heart-breaking case concerning the needless death of an innocent lady, Josephine Smith, in her own home.

“The cause of the fire was investigated and was found to have been started by the firework that was lit and posted through the letterbox by a 15-year-old boy.

“The thoughtlessness of the actions which unfolded that night are incomprehensible, and tragically resulted in the most devastating consequences. Mrs Smith’s family continue to struggle to come to terms with their loss and our thoughts remain with them, especially today.”

Josephine’s son, Alan Smith, said: “Losing Mum in such a horrible way has haunted our entire family. Mum was so loved by all of us and had many more happy years ahead of her.

“To see justice done today may hopefully help us to begin to move forward very slowly.

“The issue surrounding the sale of fireworks to the public is a fight that we intend to continue. In addition, the irresponsible way those fireworks were sold on that night haunts all of us that have seen the footage.

“The huge support we have had from the Harold Wood community has been amazing. The fire fighters that attended that night are absolute heroes – they, without doubt, risked their lives to try and save Mum. They all deserve so much more.

“Finally, the police have a lot of bad press at the moment, however, the professionalism, commitment, compassion, and warmth from every officer involved has been commendable. A first class team without whom this nightmare would have been so much harder. We really can’t thank them enough.”

+ Cooper was also charged with one count of assault by beating which relates to a separate offence on 27 October 2021 in High Road, Ilford. He had previously pleaded guilty to that offence at a separate hearing.

+ The other male, aged 15 at the time of the incident, has previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and affray. He will be sentenced at a later hearing.

Kai Cooper.

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