In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that then 57-year-old Paul Griffiths—a former window cleaner from Barrow-in-Furness—died while serving a 20-year sentence for a horrific campaign of serial child abuse. The investigation established that in 2009, Griffiths and his co-defendant, Paul Martindale, were convicted of multiple predatory strikes against two children aged under 13. The prosecution reported at the time that the pair had subjected their victims to repeated rape, gross indecency, and extreme cruelty, violating every principle of human decency and safety.
The investigation established that Griffiths was an incarcerated resident of HMP Wymott near Leyland, Lancashire—a facility predominantly utilised to house sex offenders. Authorities reported that Griffiths was pronounced dead by medical staff at the prison on 6 April 2026. Following the report of his death, an inquest was opened and adjourned at Preston Coroners’ Court on 16 April 2026, where Area Coroner Emma Mather confirmed that his body had been identified to a police officer by prison medical staff.
PRISONER FATALITIES AND PROCEDURAL OVERSIGHT
The court reported that as Griffiths died whilst a serving prisoner, a mandatory investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has been initiated. The investigation established that the PPO is required to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of any individual in custody to ensure that medical care and safety protocols were appropriate. The prosecution reported in 2009 that Griffiths’ 20-year sentence reflected the “serial” nature of his physical strikes and the lifelong psychological trauma inflicted upon his young victims in Barrow-in-Furness.
Judge-led proceedings in 2009 ensured that Griffiths was permanently flagged as a dangerous predator. For his actions and the nature of the serial sexual violence reported, he was removed from the community with a 20-year custodial term. The investigation established that with his death in 2026, his term of incarceration has concluded. The inquest remains adjourned pending the results of the PPO investigation to determine the exact cause of death for the 57-year-old.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial and coronial records as of 2026:
- Legal Status: DECEASED (6 April 2026).
- Custodial Status: EXPIRED (In 2026, whilst serving a 20-year sentence).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were active FOR LIFE (now terminated).
- DBS Status: Remains on the Barred List (Permanent record of being barred from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced in 2009; Death investigation led by PPO and Preston Coroners’ Court.
- Criminal Record: Window cleaner who repeatedly raped two children under 13; Convicted of gross indecency and cruelty; Sentenced to 20 years in 2009.
- Origin: Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria (Died in HMP Wymott, Lancashire).
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Prior to his death, Griffiths was managed as a Category 1 high-risk offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Level 3. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his “serial” history of violent physical strikes and cruelty against children—he was maintained in a high-security environment focused on sex offender management. Authorities reported that his 2009 conviction ensured he was permanently flagged on national databases, meaning any attempt to hold a position of trust or interact with children in Barrow-in-Furness or elsewhere was strictly blocked throughout his life.
As a registered sex offender until his death, his details were permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Griffiths’ behaviour identified an individual who prioritised his own perverted gratification over the safety and human rights of children. The 2026 coronial proceedings mark the final record of a man who spent the last 17 years of his life behind bars for violating the principles of human decency and the safety of the most vulnerable members of society.
QUESTION – Given that the offender “Died whilst Serving a 20-Year Sentence” for child rape, do you believe the law should legally mandate that the costs of a Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) investigation should be recovered from the offender’s personal estate or pension rather than being funded by the taxpayer?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.