© Tom Blewitt & Zack Griffiths – Predator Awareness

A notorious sex offender who groomed and abused a schoolboy in the 1980s has died in prison aged 88.

Kenneth Sturgess died on March 31, 2026, while serving his sentence at HMP Rye Hill, according to information recorded by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman.

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman confirmed the death in custody.

Sturgess, from Kirby Muxloe in Leicestershire, was jailed for 16 years in 2016 after being found guilty of a string of offences against a young boy.

He had befriended his victim at the age of 11 before subjecting him to years of abuse between 1982 and 1988.

During the trial at Leicester Crown Court, jurors heard how he groomed the child with gifts and money while also exposing him to pornography.

The victim later described the devastating impact on his life, including struggles with mental health, self-worth and relationships, as well as self-harm.

Sentencing him, Judge Ebraham Mooncey said Sturgess had carried out “despicable” acts and noted the lasting harm caused.

The court was told at the time that due to his age and poor health, he might never be released from prison.

Sturgess had also previously been jailed in 2011 for similar offences against another boy.

His death in custody will now be subject to a routine investigation by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman to establish the circumstances.

No cause of death has been publicly released..