A 59-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of a Tunbridge Wells grandfather following a chance encounter in the town centre last October. Stephen Castle strangled 54-year-old Wayne Woodgate after forcing him into a van.
The incident unfolded around 3:30 pm on October 17, 2024, when Mr. Woodgate was walking on Goods Station Road. Castle, who held a long-standing grudge against the victim, confronted him and forced him to get into a Peugeot van driven by another individual.
Concerned witnesses alerted police to the altercation, and the van was traced to Castle’s residence near Matfield. Initially arrested for kidnap, Castle claimed a drug exchange and insisted Mr. Woodgate was safe.
However, the discovery of a rental van linked to Castle, along with ANPR data showing its travel to East Sussex, led to his rearrest on suspicion of murder on October 22nd. While in custody, Castle reportedly made comments suggesting a lengthy prison sentence.
Extensive CCTV analysis led officers to Mr. Woodgate’s body the following day in woodland near Peasmarsh. He had been killed with a ligature shortly after meeting Castle, who had driven him away from Tunbridge Wells.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Castle admitted to the killing but denied intent, pleading guilty to manslaughter. Following a trial that concluded today, May 28, 2025, a jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict for murder.
Castle is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on June 26th.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber, said:
‘Stephen Castle brutally killed a man he knew over a disagreement they had in the past. His actions after they met by chance in Tunbridge Wells were determined, ruthless and ultimately led to the senseless death of a much-loved father and grandfather. Castle has left a family in deep mourning and I only hope this conviction allows them some form of closure. I would like to thank the witnesses who assisted our investigation and ultimately helped us bring this violent criminal to justice.’