Trial date nears for Dumfriesshire man's murder

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.

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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.