A young security guard accused of murdering Scots dad Paul Taylor was branded a “compulsive liar” by a man accused of helping to dump the victim’s car. Marcus Goodfellow, 20, testified that Jack Crawley, currently on trial, was an “oddball” and a “fantasist” after both were initially questioned regarding Mr. Taylor’s murder. Paul Taylor’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave in woodland in Carlisle on May 1. The hospital catering manager from Annan, Dumfriesshire had suffered severe injuries before his body was torched and concealed. His wife reported him missing on October 18.
Jack Crawley, 20, has admitted to Mr. Taylor’s manslaughter but denies the murder charge, claiming the incident was a carjacking gone awry. On the other hand, Goodfellow denies assisting Crawley in disposing of Mr. Taylor’s Vauxhall Corsa. The court heard that Goodfellow, a security guard, had just finished a night shift when he and Crawley, who worked at the same hospital, took a trip in Mr. Taylor’s car, which ended in a crash in Langwathby.
During the trial, Goodfellow mentioned seeing a pig mask at Crawley’s house and described Crawley’s driving as “terrible.” The car was eventually abandoned in Langwathby after the crash. Goodfellow initially thought the car would be scrapped, but suspicions arose when he noticed Crawley buying fuel in a jerry can. Goodfellow later connected the car to Mr. Taylor’s disappearance through police appeals.
In court, Goodfellow refuted Crawley’s allegations of involvement in criminal activities and denied knowledge of organized crime in Carlisle. He concurred with the prosecution’s assertion that Crawley’s claims were baseless and agreed that Crawley was a compulsive liar making up his evidence. Crawley faces additional charges related to an attempted hammer attack near York earlier this year.
The trial continues as more evidence is presented. Stay updated on this developing story by signing up for our newsletter.