DEPRAVED CHILD RAPIST DIED 11 MONTHS INTO 23-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE
A known paedophile who kidnapped a child from Teesside and inflicted "extremely heinous" abuse died in prison less than a year after receiving a 23-year prison sentence.In 2023, Peter Wrigglesworth encountered a child on Teesside before bringing them to his residence, where he subjected the young victim to rape and sexual assault.
Recognized as a significant threat to children, he was sentenced to 23 years and three months at Teesside Crown Court in April 2024.
He was detained at HMP Full Sutton, a high-security Category A and B men's prison near York, when he died on March 21, 2025.
An independent investigation was subsequently conducted by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
The report revealed that Wrigglesworth, formerly residing on Chatsworth Terrace, York, passed away in hospital due to decompensated cirrhosis—complications stemming from advanced liver disease—at the age of 68.
An inquest held in October of the previous year concluded that his death was from natural causes.
NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to assess Wrigglesworth’s care within the prison.
The review concluded that "the clinical care Mr.
Wrigglesworth received at Full Sutton was comparable to what he might have expected to receive in the community." The report further noted that "healthcare staff maintained effective communication with hospital personnel throughout his admission and regularly discussed his treatment needs during the prison’s multidisciplinary meetings." Wrigglesworth was convicted of rape, child abduction, and other sexual offenses involving a child following a trial.
At his sentencing, Detective Inspector Louise Sproson of Hartlepool CID stated: “The substantial sentence reflects the heinous crimes committed by this man.
The victim suffered trauma from these events, but her courage in assisting police with the investigation has ensured he cannot pose a threat to others.”
