A judge has given jurors in the trial of a man who denies murdering Paul Taylor legal directions after the conclusion of all evidence in the case.
Jack Crawley, 20, admits manslaughter and that he unlawfully killed Mr Taylor, a 56-year-old married dad-of-two in the early hours of October 18 last year.
The prosecution allege that Crawley — then aged 19 — used a hammer to attack Mr Taylor with at least 10 heavy blows to the head and face.
Crawley claims he used unlawful force to assault Mr Taylor during a botched car-jacking, and that death was caused as he fell and hit his head.
Crawley denies murder and is on trial at Carlisle Crown Court. He further denies the alleged attempted murder of a second man aged in his 50s, near York on January 5 this year; and also an alternative, lesser allegation of wounding that man with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Crawley is on trial with 20-year-old Marcus Goodfellow, of Greystone Road, Carlisle, who denies providing assistance by helping dispose of Mr Taylor’s car.
During the past two weeks, jurors have heard how Mr Taylor’s remains were found in woodland on May 1, several months after he was last seen alive and reported missing by his wife, Maria, on October 18.
In court today, trial judge Mr Justice Goose gave legal directions to jury members. “You will decide the case only on the evidence in the trial,” said the judge.
He asked them to consider the evidence calmly and dispassionately, without prejudice, and to put all emotions aside.
Neither Crawley, of Sheehan Crescent, Carlisle, nor Goodfellow had to prove anything to jurors. It was for the prosecution to prove that Crawley intended to kill Mr Taylor and cause really serious harm, and tried to murder the man in Yorkshire; and for the prosecution to prove that Goodfellow knew or believed that Mr Taylor had been unlawfully killed.
Closing speeches by barristers in the case are due to take place today and tomorrow. Mr Justice Goose will then sum up evidence to jurors before they retire to start considering their verdicts.
