Disgraced Paedophile Funeral Director Gerald Martin Dies in Prison
Gerald Martin, 76, the Hartlepool funeral director jailed for abusing teenage boys, has died behind bars. He passed away on 28 January 2026 at HMP Wymott near Leyland while serving a 20-year sentence.
Dark Crimes Spanning Decades
Martin was convicted in 2016 of 14 horrific offences including indecent assault, false imprisonment, and what are now rape and attempted rape charges. His victims were five boys aged 12 to 15, abused during the late 1970s, 1980s, and mid-1990s.
At sentencing, Judge Simon Phillips QC blasted Martin as a “persistent, predatory paedophile.” The judge revealed Martin used his funeral parlour and even public toilets to carry out his vile attacks.
Death Prompts Prison Probe
A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed Martin’s death but gave no details. “HMP Wymott prisoner Gerald Martin died on 28 January 2026. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate,” they said.
