Trial date nears for Dumfriesshire man's murder

Paul Taylor's remains were discovered in May this year in Finglandrigg Wood near Carlisle

The trial of a man accused of murdering 56-year-old Paul Taylor of Annan will take place next month in Carlisle Crown Court.

Mr Taylor’s disappearance last October sparked a major search and then murder investigation.

His car was found - two days after he failed to return home - in the October over the border in Langwathby and his remains were discovered in May this year in Finglandrigg Wood near Carlisle.

Jack Crawley, aged 20, of Carlisle is charged with his murder and has previously submitted a not guilty plea.

Final preparations for the trial – which will start on October 1 and is expected to run for three weeks and four days, presided by the Hon Justice Goose – took place last week at a pre-trial review with judge Nicholas Barker and barristers. Crawley appeared via videolink from prison and only spoke to confirm his identity.

Also on trial will be Carlisle 20-year-old Marcus Goodfellow who is charged with assisting an offender. He has also previously submitted a not guilty plea and made an appearance at court for last week’s pre-trial review hearing, verbally confirming his identity.

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