Man Found Guilty of Strangling Tunbridge Wells Grandfather
A man has been convicted of murder after strangling a grandfather and dumping his body in remote East Sussex woodland.
Stephen Castle, 59, was found guilty at Maidstone Crown Court of killing Wayne Woodgate, 54, following a chance encounter that turned deadly.
The Chilling Crime Timeline
- On 17 October 2024, Wayne Woodgate was walking along Goods Station Road in Tunbridge Wells when he was confronted by Castle, who held a long-standing grudge.
- Castle, with help from an accomplice driving a Peugeot van, forced Woodgate into the vehicle and took him to his home near Matfield, Hastings Road.
- Police were alerted by witnesses and arrested Castle for kidnap. Castle claimed it was a drug deal gone wrong and Woodgate had been left unharmed.
- CCTV and ANPR footage later showed a hired Renault Trafic leaving Castle’s home heading towards Peasmarsh in East Sussex.
Body Found, Castle Rearrested
On 23 October, police discovered Woodgate’s body in woods near the A268 in Peasmarsh. He had been strangled with a ligature, confirming foul play.
Castle was rearrested on suspicion of murder the day before. While in custody, he reportedly said: “There’s no point, I may as well go straight to prison; I’m going to do 25 years anyway.”
Guilty Verdict and Police Statement
Castle admitted killing Woodgate but claimed it was manslaughter. The jury rejected this, delivering a unanimous guilty verdict for murder on 28 May 2025. He faces sentencing on 26 June 2025 at Maidstone Crown Court.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber of Kent Police said: “Stephen Castle brutally killed a man he knew over a past disagreement. His ruthless actions led to the senseless death of a much-loved father and grandfather. Castle has left a family in deep mourning. I hope this conviction brings them some closure.”
