A teenager has been found guilty of the murder of Scottish father Paul Taylor after a sex hook-up. The victim’s remains were discovered in woodland in Cumbria in May after his wife reported him missing in October the previous year. Paul Taylor, a married catering manager and Army veteran, had led a double life engaging in sexual encounters with men while keeping it a secret from his loved ones.
The court heard that Taylor had met his killer, 19-year-old Jack Crawley, on the dating app Grindr. Crawley, who also worked at the same hospital as Taylor, brutally attacked him, causing fatal injuries. The prosecution presented evidence of premeditation, including Crawley’s attempts to sell Taylor’s car, the presence of incriminating items in his home, and his internet search history.
Following Taylor’s death, Crawley attempted another attack on a man in York using a hammer. Despite his denial, he was convicted of attempted murder in that case as well. The court found him guilty of the murder of Paul Taylor and remanded him in custody for sentencing.
A second man, Marcus Goodfellow, who was accused of assisting Crawley in disposing of evidence, was acquitted. The judge commended the jury for their verdict and set a date for Crawley’s sentencing later in the week. The community and the victims’ families are now waiting for justice to be served in this tragic case of deceit and violence.