Family pay tribute to 'gentle and loving' dad Paul Taylor after man found guilty of murder

A man has been found guilty of the murder of a “gentle and loving” dad who went missing from his home in Dumfries and Galloway last year.

Paul Taylor was reported missing after leaving his home in Annan on October 17, 2023.

The 56-year-old’s car was later found abandoned in Langwaythby in Cumbria.

Jack Crawley was found guilty of his murder following a two-week trial at Carlisle Crown Court.

The 20-year-old was also found guilty of attempted murder after an incident in North Yorkshire in January 2024.

Mr Taylor was killed after being assaulted by Crawley, who later led the police to his remains.

In a statement released following the verdict, Mr Taylor’s family said their lives and worlds have been “torn apart”.

They said: “To us he was a husband and a dad, gentle and loving.

“For many years, Paul worked to protect his country, giving up time to be a husband and father. Now was the time for us to be that family unit, and we grieve the loss of that and of our future.

“Losing Paul in these circumstances and the torment and hurt this has caused has been horrendous and indescribable.

“Paul will be dearly missed and he will remain in our thoughts forever.”

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey 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 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.”

Detective superintendent Jonathan Sygrove, head of Major, Serious and Organised Crime, led the investigation for North Yorkshire Police.

He described the investigation, which spanned several counties, as “large and complex”.

Police began their investigation into the attempted murder after receiving reports of a serious assault near York on January 5.

“Crawley was our suspect from the outset”, Detective Sygrove 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 attempted murder.

“This investigation was extensive, led by senior detectives and a specialised major investigation team. But it was also by working with other police forces, most notably Cumbria Constabulary, and sharing information across the country that Crawley was identified with the use of mobile fingerprint technology and arrested in Somerset.

“While my colleagues in Cumbria have praised the dignity of Mr Taylor’s family during this awful ordeal, I’d also like to recognise the actions of the victim from North Yorkshire who had the courage to come forward after he was attacked. I hope today’s verdict brings some closure to him and all others whose lives have been changed forever by Jack Crawley.”

Crawley denied the charges against him and will be sentenced on October 23.

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.”