Dad murdered and buried in the woods after meeting teen for sex hook-up

A security guard has been found guilty of 'vicious attacks' on two men, killing an army veteran and hiding his body in the woods before attempting to kill a second man. Jack Crawley, 20, was found guilty of murdering Paul Taylor, 56, after the pair initially met online.

Mr Taylor had travelled to Carlisle to meet Crawley in October 2023, where he was tragically 'fatally assaulted' by the young man. Crawley then hid the beloved father's body in the woods before trying to sell off his car, which police later discovered was covered in the victim's blood.

The 20-year-old was found guilty of murder on October 21, following a trial at Carlisle Crown Court. He was also found guilty of the attempted murder of a second man.

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Crawley's violence was uncovered by police after he crashed Mr Taylor's car in the village of Langwathby two days after the pair had met. The killer fled the area, but was later arrested in November 2023.

During his police interview, the security guard gave a prepared statement saying he did not know Paul Taylor and refused to comment further. He was bailed whilst the investigation continued. But when police found the vehicle, forensic analysis revealed a large amount of blood inside the car, which was later matched to Mr Taylor.

Whilst on police bail, on January 5, Crawley travelled to York where he attempted to murder a second man by viciously attacking him with a hammer. The man was rushed to hospital where his wounds were glued.

Crawley was arrested in Bristol on February 2, but told police he was acting in self-defence when he hit the man with a hammer. Three months later, in May, he told officers where they would be able to recover Paul Taylor's body from a shallow grave in Finglandrigg Wood, near Carlisle.

Police said it was clear that attempts had been made to burn Mr Taylor’s body. The post-mortem confirmed at least 10 separate impacts on Mr Taylors head and two to his left arm. A specific cause of death could not be determined due to the passage of time but is likely to have been caused by blows to the head.

The court heard Crawley had been in contact with Mr Taylor before the killing and they had previously met to have sex. The court heard Mr Taylor's family was unaware of his sexual interest in men and he lived with his wife.

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

Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey was the senior investigating officer (SIO) in the investigation. Speaking after the verdict he said: “Paul was tragically killed after suffering an assault at the hands of Jack Crawley. He was a much-loved father, husband, brother and friend who will I know will be missed by many.

“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 after a jury heard the evidence gathered against him, they found him guilty of murder.

“I would like to thank the members of the jury who have listened carefully and watched all of the evidence presented to them surrounding this shocking incident.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service and prosecuting counsel David McLachlan KC and Will Beardmore for the manner in which the case has been prepared and delivered at trial.

“I must also take this opportunity to thank and praise the dedicated team of officers and staff from Cumbria Constabulary who have worked round the clock on this investigation for many months. They have shown great skill and professionalism throughout.

“Part of the investigation also saw us work closely with our colleagues in North Yorkshire Police who led the manhunt to locate Crawley after he fled from Cumbria. I’d like to commend our colleagues in North Yorkshire for their outstanding work on this complex case which has helped us deliver justice for the victims of Jack Crawly and their families.

“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Paul’s family. They have been dignified throughout the course of the investigation and our thoughts remain with them all.

“We know that no outcome at court will ever serve as comfort to Paul’s family and friends, but I do hope that the verdict today will offer a small amount of closure for them, knowing that we have brought Crawley to justice.”

Crawley will be sentenced on 23 October 2024.