A JUDGE has concluded that the case of a young man accused of murdering Annan man Paul Taylor is “trial ready”.

Jack Ryan Crawley, 20, has been charged following the disappearance and death of the 56-year-old. Mr Taylor was reported missing from his Annan home having last been seen at around 9-45pm on 17th October last year.

Detectives subsequently launched a murder probe. At different stages of their enquiry, two men were charged.

Crawley, of Sheehan Crescent, Carlisle, was brought to court and denies a charge which alleges that he murdered Mr Taylor, whose remains were discovered by police in the area of Finglandrigg Wood, west of Kirkbampton, near Carlisle.

Marcus Goodfellow, also aged 20, of Greystone Road, Carlisle, denies one charge which alleges that he assisted an offender.

Both men are due to stand trial at Carlisle Crown Court.

At the crown court today (mon), Crawley and Goodfellow were present as Judge Nicholas Barker presided over a pre-trial review hearing lasting 20 minutes.

During this, Judge Barker heard submissions from lawyers in the case relating to the preparation of trial documents and evidence in line with deadline dates set at a previous hearing. He also made observations about the approximate size of a panel — a group of members of the public — from which a jury will ultimately be selected, and the timing of a prosecution opening speech to jurors.

“I am satisfied that the case is trial ready,” said Judge Barker.

The hearing is due to start on Tuesday, 1st October. In the meantime, Crawley is remanded in custody and Goodfellow is on bail.

*Crawley also denies two charges brought following a police investigation in the York area. One alleges the attempted murder of a man on 5th January, 2024; and a second alleges that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the same man, causing him grievous bodily harm, on the same date.

These charges will all be dealt with as part of the Carlisle murder trial.