Praise for police murder team

POLICE officers who solved the murder case of an Annan man have been commended for their work.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Darren Martland, has praised the work of officers and staff, above, who were involved in the ‘complex’ investigation following the killing of Paul Taylor in 2023.

It resulted in Jack Crawley being sentenced to life in prison for murder at Carlisle Crown Court last year.

The death of Mr Taylor, from Annan, was initially treated as a high-risk missing person but, due to the circumstances, a major incident room was quickly established and an investigation launched to uncover whether there had been criminality.

Extensive investigative work by a team of detectives uncovered evidence - including forensic evidence - which would help establish what had taken place and Crawley’s involvement.

Those who received Chief Constable’s Commendations included: Det Supt Ian Hussey, DCI Paddy McDonnell, DCI Amanda Sykes, DI Martyn Park, DS Beth Casson, DS Dave Noble, Gary Humes, DC Lou Rayment, DC Jonathan Lowden, DC Tim Prangnell, DS Steve Kidd, CSI Jason Goodwin, DC Chris Hind, as well as Sarah Potter, Helen Quinn, John Robinson, DC Leonie Wiggin, Emma Carruthers, Claire McKenna, Jake Scott and DI Duncan Brooker.

Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey led the investigation. He said: “All of those commended played a vital role in the investigation - from the detectives on the ground uncovering evidence and those meticulously trawling through CCTV footage, to the officers who worked sensitively with the family of the deceased in their family liaison role.

“Such a complex and challenging investigation needs a great many people to come together and work tirelessly and professionally in order to achieve justice on behalf of the family.

“I am extremely proud of all those involved in this investigation. Their efforts reflect positively on the constabulary and our organisations on-going work to deliver an outstanding policing service to the people of Cumbria.”

The nominations were supported by Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ashton, who added: “Their work - and the work of the officers and staff reporting to them - ensured that a dangerous individual was sentenced to life with a minimum of 37 years.”