Man found guilty of murdering Tunbridge Wells grandfather
Wayne Woodgate was killed by Stephen Castle in October 2024
A man's been convicted of the murder of a Tunbridge Wells grandfather, who was strangled to death.
59 year old Stephen Castle killed Wayne Woodgate in October 2024, following a chance encounter in the town centre which led to him being forced into a van.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Castle admitted killing his victim but claimed he had not intended to do so.
He denied a charge of murder and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
A jury found him guilty of murder by unanimous verdict today (Wednesday 28th May).
What happened?
Mr Woodgate, who was 54, was walking in Goods Station Road when he was confronted by Castle, who bore a long-standing grudge against the victim.
A witnesses called police and the van was tracked to Castle’s home in Hastings Road, near Matfield.
Castle was arrested for kidnap and initially claimed he had met the victim to exchange drugs insisting Mr Woodgate had been left safe at a nearby location in the town.
Officers located a hired Renault van vehicle next to Castle’s address.
Analysis of automatic number plate recognition cameras showed the vehicle had left his home at 4.15pm and travelled towards a remote location, in East Sussex.
Mr Woodgate’s body was found in woodland off the A268 in Peasmarsh.
He had been murdered with a ligature, shortly after meeting Castle who had driven him to his home.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber of Kent Police, 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."
Castle will be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 26th June.