The family of Paul Taylor said their torment had been indescribable since the father-of-two disappeared in October last year.
After the verdict, Mr Taylor’s family said: “Our lives and world were completely torn apart on the October 18 2023 with the murder of Paul.
“To us he was a husband and a dad, gentle and loving.
“For many years Paul worked to protect his country giving up time being a husband and father, now was the time for us to be that family unit and we grieve the loss of that and of our future.
“Losing Paul in these circumstances and the torment and hurt this has caused has been horrendous and indescribable.
“Paul will be dearly missed and he will remain in our thoughts forever.”
After Mr Taylor’s disappearance on October 18 last year, a high profile missing person appeal and then a murder probe were launched by detectives.
On May 1, Crawley disclosed to police that his body would be found at the wildlife watcher’s haven of Finglandrigg Wood, near Carlisle.
Officers found skeletal remains. His body had been burned and then dragged into a shallow hollow by Crawley, who used branches and sticks to hide them from view.
Crawley travelled around Scotland before carrying out another attack in darkness on the outskirts of York on January 5. That victim was another homosexual man aged in his 50s. The pair had chatted on gay dating app Grindr for the first time earlier that day, and arranged to meet in York, just hours after Crawley had bought a claw hammer from a city DIY shop.
That second victim told a jury how Crawley struck him three times with a hammer during their intimate encounter. He was also found guilty of attempted murder.
Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey was the senior investigating officer in the investigation.
After the verdict, he said: “Paul was tragically killed after suffering an assault at the hands of Jack Crawley. He was a much-loved father, husband, brother and friend who I know will be missed by many.
“Crawley refused to admit to the brutal murder of Paul instead pleading guilty to manslaughter claiming his death was the result of a car theft gone wrong, however after a jury heard the evidence gathered against him, they found him guilty of murder.
“I would like to thank the members of the jury who have listened carefully and watched all of the evidence presented to them surrounding this shocking incident.
“I would also like to thank our colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service and prosecuting counsel David McLachlan KC and Will Beardmore for the manner in which the case has been prepared and delivered at trial.
“I must also take this opportunity to thank and praise the dedicated team of officers and staff from Cumbria Constabulary who have worked round the clock on this investigation for many months. They have shown great skill and professionalism throughout.
“Part of the investigation also saw us work closely with our colleagues in North Yorkshire Police who led the manhunt to locate Crawley after he fled from Cumbria. I’d like to commend our colleagues in North Yorkshire for their outstanding work on this complex case which has helped us deliver justice for the victims of Jack Crawly and their families.
“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Paul’s family. They have been dignified throughout the course of the investigation and our thoughts remain with them all.
“We know that no outcome at court will ever serve as comfort to Paul’s family and friends, but I do hope that the verdict today will offer a small amount of closure for them, knowing that we have brought Crawley to justice.”
Katie Marsden, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Jack Crawley carried out vicious attacks on two men.
“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Cumbria Constabulary and North Yorkshire Police to build a strong case, piecing together the forensic evidence, CCTV footage and phone location data to show that Crawley murdered Paul Taylor and attempted to murder a second man.
“My thoughts remain with Paul Taylor’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. I can only hope that the verdict will give them some sense of justice.”
Detective Superintendent Jonathan Sygrove, head of major, serious and organised crime, led the investigation for North Yorkshire Police.
He said: “Today’s outcome is the result of a large and complex investigation spanning several counties. North Yorkshire Police’s investigation into the attempted murder began on January 5 this year, when we received reports of a serious assault near York. Crawley was our suspect from the outset.
“As our investigation progressed and with fast-tracked DNA evidence, it became clear to us that this was more than an assault – it was attempted murder.
“This investigation was extensive, led by senior detectives and a specialised major investigation team. But it was also by working with other police forces, most notably Cumbria Constabulary, and sharing information across the country that Crawley was identified with the use of mobile fingerprint technology and arrested in Somerset.
“While my colleagues in Cumbria have praised the dignity of Mr Taylor’s family during this awful ordeal, I’d also like to recognise the actions of the victim from North Yorkshire who had the courage to come forward after he was attacked. I hope today’s verdict brings some closure to him and all others whose lives have been changed forever by Jack Crawley.”
