In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that 79-year-old Martyn Woods—a child predator who committed a prolific series of historic sexual assaults—died in custody at HMP Wymott. The investigation established that Woods was serving a 14-year sentence, handed down in 2018 after he pleaded guilty to 12 counts of sexually assaulting multiple children. The prosecution reported that an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) was completed on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, confirming the circumstances of his death.
The investigation established that Woods died of empyema of the left hemithorax, a medical condition involving a collection of pus between the lung and the chest wall. The prosecution reported that at an inquest, the coroner concluded Woods died of natural causes. His offending, which occurred in Bolton, Radcliffe, and Rawtenstall between 1962 and 1976, was only exposed in 2017 when one of his victims showed the bravery to come forward and report the “vile” abuse to the police.
Judicial Findings and Historical Abuse
The court reported that Woods’ predatory behaviour spanned over a decade, involving the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl and the assault of a teenage boy. The investigation established that both victims were left suffering from severe emotional trauma due to his “sinister” actions. The prosecution reported that after pleading guilty to the 12 offences in 2018, Woods was branded a dangerous individual whose crimes had stolen the childhoods of his victims across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Judge-led proceedings concluded with Woods being sentenced to 14 years in prison at the age of 72. For his actions in Bolton and the nature of the “stomach-churning” sexual violence reported, he was subject to lifelong notification requirements until his death. The judge noted during the original sentencing that the strength of the victims was the vital component in ensuring that Woods, despite the decades that had passed, finally faced the legal consequences of his “wicked” disregard for human decency.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the PPO report and inquest findings in April 2026:
- Legal Status: DECEASED (Died at HMP Wymott aged 79).
- Cause of Death: Natural Causes (Empyema of the left hemithorax).
- Custodial Status: SERVED (Died while serving a 14-year sentence).
- Offence Category: Historic Child Sexual Abuse (12 counts).
- Judicial Oversight: Investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO); Inquest led by the Coroner.
- Criminal Record: Pleaded guilty to 12 counts of child sexual assault; Targeted a young girl and a teenage boy over a 14-year period; Offending hidden for over 40 years until 2017; Convicted of “heinous” strikes in Bolton, Radcliffe, and Rawtenstall.
- Origin: Bolton, Greater Manchester (Died in HMP Wymott, Lancashire).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Prior to his death, Woods was managed as a high-risk registered sex offender under the statutory requirements of the prison service and the national police database. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “serial” targeting of children across multiple decades—he was a priority for custodial monitoring. Authorities reported that the 2018 conviction ensured that Woods spent his final years behind bars, providing a measure of justice to the survivors whose lives were “prolifically” damaged by his actions.
The details of Woods’ crimes and subsequent death are permanently logged to provide closure to the victims and the public. Authorities state that the history of this case identifies the critical importance of survivors coming forward, regardless of how much time has passed. Any further findings from the PPO report have been shared with Woods’ next of kin, concluding the legal and custodial record of a man who violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was 72 when he was finally “Caged,” do you believe that “Statutory Mandatory Minimums” for historic child abuse should legally be doubled if the offender has evaded justice for more than 30 years?
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