Tunbridge Wells Murderer Sentenced to Life for Killing Grandfather Wayne Woodgate
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of grandfather Wayne Woodgate following a violent abduction in Tunbridge Wells.
Stephen Castle, 59, of Hastings Road near Matfield, will serve a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole, following his conviction at Maidstone Crown Court.
Timeline of Events
- 17 October 2024, 3:30pm: Mr Woodgate, 62, was walking along Goods Station Road in Tunbridge Wells when Castle confronted him and forced him into a Peugeot van.
- Witnesses reported the incident to Kent Police, triggering a large-scale search.
- Police tracked the vehicle to Castle’s home in Hastings Road, where he was initially arrested on suspicion of kidnap.
- Castle falsely claimed the pair met to exchange drugs and said Mr Woodgate had left safely.
- Further CCTV and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) evidence revealed Castle later used a Renault Trafic hire van, departing his home at 4:15pm and driving towards Peasmarsh in East Sussex.
Body Discovered in Woodland
The following day, on 18 October, officers discovered Wayne Woodgate’s body in woodland off the A268 near Peasmarsh. A post-mortem confirmed he had been strangled with a ligature.
Castle was re-arrested and charged with murder on 22 October. Although he admitted to killing Mr Woodgate, Castle pleaded guilty to manslaughter, claiming it was not premeditated.
However, following a full trial, a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict for murder.
Sentencing and Reaction
At sentencing on Friday, 26 June 2025, the judge imposed a life term with a minimum tariff of 25 years, minus time already served on remand.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber, who led the investigation, said:
“Stephen Castle is a callous individual responsible for a deeply disturbing and utterly senseless act of violence. After the murder, he went to great lengths to conceal the body and then shamelessly visited a local pub, behaving as if nothing had happened.”
“This sentence will not bring Wayne back, but I hope it offers some small measure of justice to his devastated family.”
Victim Remembered
Wayne Woodgate was described by loved ones as a much-loved father and grandfather, whose life was tragically taken in a premeditated and brutal attack. His death has left a profound impact on the local community.
Police Appeal
While the case has been concluded, anyone with further information that could assist related inquiries is urged to call Kent Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
