Grandfather Murderer Jailed for Life in Tunbridge Wells Abduction Horror
A man has been locked up for life after strangling grandfather Wayne Woodgate in a chilling abduction in Tunbridge Wells. Stephen Castle, 59, must serve at least 25 years behind bars before he can even apply for parole.
Kidnap and Murder on Goods Station Road
- 17 October 2024, 3:30pm: Wayne Woodgate, 62, was strolling along Goods Station Road in Tunbridge Wells when Castle forced him into a Peugeot van in broad daylight.
- Witnesses immediately alerted Kent Police, sparking a major manhunt.
- Police traced the van to Castle’s home on Hastings Road. He was arrested for suspicion of kidnap but lied about their meeting, claiming it was a drug deal and Wayne left unharmed.
- CCTV and ANPR showed Castle switching vehicles to a hired Renault van and driving towards Peasmarsh, East Sussex, at 4:15pm.
Wayne’s Body Found in Nearby Woodland
The next day, officers discovered Wayne Woodgate’s body in woodland off the A268 near Peasmarsh. A post-mortem revealed he had been strangled with a ligature.
Castle was re-arrested and charged with murder on 22 October. Despite admitting the killing, he pleaded guilty only to manslaughter, claiming it wasn’t premeditated. A jury weren’t buying it, returning a unanimous guilty verdict for murder after the full trial.
Life Sentence Delivered Amid Outrage
On Friday 26 June 2025, the judge handed Castle a life sentence with a minimum 25-year tariff, minus time served on remand.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber, who led the investigation, slammed Castle as “a callous individual responsible for a deeply disturbing and utterly senseless act of violence.”
He added, “After the murder, Castle went to great lengths to hide the body and shamelessly acted as if nothing had happened at a local pub. This sentence won’t bring Wayne back, but hopefully brings some justice to his devastated family.”
Remembering Wayne Woodgate
Wayne Woodgate was a beloved father and grandfather whose brutal murder has shaken the Tunbridge Wells community. Loved ones continue to mourn a man taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence.
Police Appeal for Information
Though the case is closed, Kent Police urge anyone with further information to come forward. Call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
