Report issued into death of pervert undertaker while an inmate at Leyland prison

An investigation has concluded into the death of a paedophile undertaker while an imate at Leyland’s Wymott prison.

The Post reported in February that the Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) had launched an inquiry into the death of 76-year-old Gerald Martin, who was jailed for 20 years in November 2016 at Teesside Crown Court after being convicted of 14 counts of abuse against five boys.

The results of the investigation have now been made public.

The report states that Martin died in hospital of severe heart failure on January 28, 2026.

It added: “The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Martin received at Wymott was of a good standard and was equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive in the community. She found that Mr Martin was well supported in both his health and social care needs and, when he was unwell, he was supported to access hospital in a timely manner.”

The PPO investigator did not find any non-clinical issues of concern and has made no recommendations to the prison service.

At an inquest held on October 19, 2026, the coroner concluded that Mr Martin died from natural causes.

Gerald Martin

The former undertaker, formerly of Valley Close, Hartlepool, was jailed for 20 years in November 2016 at Teesside Crown Court after being convicted of 14 counts of abuse against five boys. His abuse covered seven charges of indecent assault, three counts of committing a serious sexual offence, three charges of attempting to commit the same serious sexual offence and one charge of false imprisonment.

Teesside Crown Court was told how some of the offences took place at public toilets in town and at the funeral home where he worked. His trial also learned how some of his victims had since attempted suicide, turned to drink and failed to maintain either stable relationships or jobs.

After Martin was convicted, Detective Sergeant Matt Hollingsworth, Cleveland Police, said: “Gerald Martin was a prominent figure in Hartlepool and clearly thought he was above the law. I hope these convictions serve as a warning to others who may have committed similar despicable acts that they will never be safe from prosecution.

“These victims have not only suffered horrendously at the hands of Gerald Martin at the time of their abuse, but they are still suffering and will no doubt go on to remember those events for a long time to come and maybe for the rest of their lives, and to some of them this has come at a great personal cost. The victims and their families’ have shown great courage throughout this investigation. I hope the verdict goes a little way to helping them in their recovery.”