2 weeks Ago
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Get the latest Scottish crime and courts news sent straight to your inbox with our daily Criminal Record newsletter The man accused of murdering Paul Taylor has described burning and then trying to dismember the Scots Army veteran's body after he died when a late night car-jacking went wrong. Jack Crawley arranged to meet married dad-of-two Mr Taylor, 56, in a secluded location near Carlisle late on October 17 last year. Crawley, aged 19 at the time, had for several years sold drugs to, and on occasion engaged in sexual activity with, Mr Taylor.
Now aged 20, Crawley admits manslaughter. He is on trial at Carlisle Crown Court and denies murdering Mr Taylor, whose skeletal remains were found in woodland west of the city on May 1 — 195 days after he was reported missing by wife, Maria. (Image: Cumbria Police) A pathologist concluded Mr Taylor's skull was bludgeoned at least 10 times and that trauma injuries to his left elbow may have been caused as the hospital catering manager tried to defend himself.
As he gave evidence to jurors, Crawley spoke of falling in with the wrong school crowd and dealing drugs aged just 13. By 15 he had accrued a £5,000-plus debt and was ordered by criminals to commit offences which included thefts of cash and drugs from other crooks — "taxing" — and stealing cars. Asked about his past contact with Mr Taylor, Crawley said: "I'm bi-curious, bisexual in my orientation.
He had asked me if I wanted to engage in sexual activity with him." In October, 2023,..
. Craig McGlasson.
