A man charged with the murder of a “dedicated father and grandfather” is expected to stand trial in April.
Stephen Castle, 59, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (October 29) over the killing of Wayne Woodgate, described in tributes as “a face of Tunbridge Wells that everyone knew and everyone will miss”.
The 54-year-old’s body was discovered in a rural location in Peasmarsh, East Sussex, on October 23.
Kent Police had launched an appeal as to his whereabouts, having disappeared six days earlier after last being reportedly seen getting into a van in the Goods Station Road area of Tunbridge Wells.
CCTV footage was also released of him in the Opera House Wetherspoon pub.
Castle, of Hastings Road, Matfield, was arrested and charged with murder the day after Mr Woodgate’s body was found. It is alleged the offence occurred on October 17.
Appearing in court via video link at Elmley Prison, he was told by Judge Philip St.John-Stevens that his trial, estimated to last two weeks, will start on April 22.
He was remanded in custody until a plea and trial preparation hearing at the same court on January 2, at which he will appear in person.
Castle simply spoke to confirm his name. Although there was no formal application for bail from his defence barrister Tom Stern, it was refused by the judge after hearing from prosecutor Christina Rowberry.
At the time of the appeal to find Mr Woodgate, police also asked for dashcam footage from motorists who had travelled on the A268 between Peasmarsh and Four Oaks between 5.15pm and 5.45pm on Thursday, October 17, and between 8.15am and 8.45am on Sunday, October 20.
There was also a request for CCTV and doorbell camera images.
Mr Woodgate’s son, George, paid tribute to his father, describing him as “a dedicated family man who brought joy and warmth to everyone he met”.
A GoFundMe appeal was also set up to help cover the costs of his funeral and give him a “Wayne-style send-off”.
George, 30, said the family felt “utterly robbed” by his death.
“He was taken from us much before his time. There was still so much left for him to do and be a part of, experience and achieve,” he added.
“We are devastated by this tragic loss and cannot begin to express the depth of our sorrow.”
Mr Woodgate’s eldest son, Glenn Goldsmith, said: “He was a face of Tunbridge Wells that everyone knew and everyone will miss.”
No one from his family was present for the brief crown court hearing.
