A 19-year-old has appeared in court accused of murdering Annan man Paul Taylor, as police investigating his disappearance continue to appeal for more information.
Jack Ryan Crawley faces the charge that he murdered Mr Taylor on or about October 18 2023.
Mr Taylor — aged 56 at the time he was reported missing — was last seen leaving home in Annan at around 9.45pm on Tuesday, October 17.
Police believe he travelled from his address to Carlisle, shortly before midnight on that date, in his blue Vauxhall Corsa, registration PY18 DYO.
This morning, Crawley appeared remotely in courtroom number two at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court over a video link from HMP Hull. He was represented by lawyer Nick Kennon.
During a hearing lasting just less than four minutes, short-haired Crawley — wearing yellow and green long-sleeved top — spoke to confirm his full name and date of birth.
The allegation he faces was read to him by the court legal advisor. No plea was entered.
Crawley, previously of Sheehan Crescent, Carlisle, was said in court documents to be of no fixed address. He was told the high level of charge meant the case could only be dealt with at a crown court, and that magistrates were unable to consider any application for bail.
Prosecutor George Shelley told the Bench: “This is a situation where a live investigation remains to establish the whereabouts of the body of Mr Taylor.”
Nick Holt-Kentwell, lead magistrate, formally sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court, where Crawley will appear in front of a judge for a preliminary hearing on Monday of next week.
Crawley spoke to say “I understand” when asked whether he had followed proceedings during today’s hearing. He remains remanded in custody.
A Cumbria police spokesman said yesterday that detectives were continuing their investigation. They would still like to hear from anyone who has any information relating to this case, or the whereabouts of Paul’s body.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Pattinson said as it was confirmed that Crawley had been charged: “This of course, is a significant step forward in the investigation, but that does not mean the work of the investigation stops here. We are still appealing to the public for information that will lead us to finding Paul’s body.
“We have a team of detectives continuing to work tirelessly and thoroughly to piece together the circumstances that led to Paul’s disappearance and to locate his body, giving his family the answers they desperately deserve.
“Please, if you have any information which you have not yet come forward with, I urge you to do so. You can call 101 and speak to a member of the Operation Focus team, or, if you don’t feel comfortable speaking with police, you can call Crimestoppers totally anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“Paul’s family continue to be supported and updated throughout our investigation and will remain so throughout the judicial process.”
