A Carlisle man has been found guilty of the murder of Army veteran Paul Taylor and an attempted murder in Yorkshire.

The verdict delivered on Monday, October 21, after a two-week trial at Carlisle Crown Court ended with Jack Crawley, 20, of no fixed address, being found guilty of the murder of Paul Taylor and the attempted murder of another man.

Crawley denied the charges against him pleading manslaughter and self defence.

Paul Taylor, 56, an army veteran from Annan was reported missing by his wife in October 2023.

The BBC reported that Crawley had been in contact with before the murder Taylor and the pair had met to have sex.

The BBC also reported the court heard Carley had buried Paul’s body in a shallow grave after attempting to burn him.

Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey was the senior investigating officer spoke 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 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.”

In a statement issued after the verdict, the family of Paul Taylor said: “Our lives and world were completely torn apart on the 18 Oct 2024 with the murder of Paul. To us he was a husband and a dad, gentle and loving.

“For many years Paul worked to protect his country giving up time being 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.”

While on bail in January, Crawley met a man off Grindr, the gay dating app, in York who he also hit with a hammer and was found guilty of attempted murder at Carlisle Crown Court.

Crawley will be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on Wednesday, October 23.