Rye man arrested in teen murder probe

17 year old A-Level student Jacob Woudstra (above) was stabbed in the chest following an argument in the Shah pub last Thursday afternoon just yards from his Mount Pleasant Road home.

Adam Skilton, 42, of Wilton Road, Bexhill, has been charged with Jacob’s murder.

Adam Skilton appeared before Hastings magistrates on Monday also charged with perverting the course of justice. Skilton has been remanded to Lewes Crown Court on a date to be decided.

The Rye man, who has not been named was arrested on the suspicion of the murder of Jacob and has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Jacob was with his older brother Levi, 19, when he received the fatal wounds. He managed to get home and was treated by paramedics but sadly died.

Jacob’s heartbroken dad Steve said: “Jacob was a naturally happy and cheerful, caring person. Every time I look at photographs of him he is smiling. He has been taken away from us. It is such a waste of a young life.” The teenager, who attended William Parker Sports College before joining Parkwood, was enjoying his Easter holidays when his life was tragically cut short. He was studying A-levels in history, politics, applied business and psychology. Jacob was also a fan of Harley Davidson bikes, just like his dad and the pair of them rode to Holland. They regularly attended Harley Davidson rallies in Breda, making many friends. The teenager enjoyed skateboarding and played rugby for Hastings and Bexhill Rugby Club’s u-13s team and for William Parker Sports College. Several of Jacob’s friends emailed the Observer to pay tribute to him. Katie Sinden said: “Jacob was such a lovely boy with such a bright future ahead of him, he was loved by many and will certainly be missed by many. No one can say a bad word against Jacob, he was such a bright boy. This has been devastating news for his close friends and family and my thoughts remain with his family.” Toni Douglas described the teenager as a ‘polite, well-spoken lad’. John Court, headteacher of William Parker Sports College, said a memorial service for Jacob will be held for fellow students at 9am on Monday at the Phoenix Arts Centre. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Raymer from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation into Jacob’s murder, said: “This inquiry remains active and we would still like to hear from anyone who has information, but has not yet come forward. Please contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Chinook. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.