Paul Taylor murderer found guilty of attempting to murder a York man while on bail

In October 2023, Paul Taylor, 56, from Annan, Dumfriesshire, went missing, following which his body was found in a shallow grave in woodland near Carlisle, Cumbria, in May.

Jack Crawley, 20, from Carlisle, was arrested on suspicion of murder, but fled to North Yorkshire in early 2024 while on bail.

While he was on bail Crawley, then 19, attempted to murder a York man.

On Friday, January 5, a man was attacked near the village of Acaster Malbis, York.

Detective Superintendent Jonathan Sygrove, Head of Major, Serious and Organised Crime, led the investigation for North Yorkshire Police, said Crawley was their main suspect “from the outset”.

He said: “As our investigation progressed and with fast-tracked DNA evidence, it became clear to us that this was more than an assault – it was an attempted murder.

“This investigation was extensive, led by senior detectives and a specialised major investigation team.”

During a two week trial at Carlisle Crown Court Crawley refused to admit to the brutal murder of Paul instead pleading guilty to manslaughter claiming his death was the result of a car theft gone wrong.

However, Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey, who was the senior investigating officer (SIO) in the investigation,said: “After a jury heard the evidence gathered against him, they found him guilty of murder.”

Crawley was found guilty of the murder of Paul Taylor and guilty of attempted murder of the man in York in January 2024.

Katie Marsden, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Jack Crawley carried out vicious attacks on two men.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Cumbria Constabulary and North Yorkshire Police to build a strong case, piecing together the forensic evidence, CCTV footage and phone location data to show that Crawley murdered Paul Taylor and attempted to murder a second man.

“My thoughts remain with Paul Taylor’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. I can only hope that the verdict will give them some sense of justice.”

Jack Crawley will be sentenced, at Carlisle Crown Court, on Wednesday (Oct 23).