DETECTIVES say they will keep an "open mind" about whether convicted killer Jack Crawley targeted any other gay men while he was on the run.
Speaking after the 20-year-old former security guard was convicted of murdering Annan man Paul Taylor, 56, and attempting to murder of another man, Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey responded to a question about more possible attacks.
The murder trial heard that Crawley, after skipping his police bail in December, visited Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen before finally arriving in York on January 4.
As he left Cumbria, he donned a bizarre disguise. It included a "Hagrid" style wig, and him using a fake European accent.
On January 5, the day after he arrived in York, he attempted to murder a man at a remote “hook-up” site for gay sex in what prosecutors say was an “almost carbon copy” of the fatal hammer attack on Mr Taylor near Carlisle on October 18.
In response to a question about possible further attacks, Detective Superintendent Hussey said: “It’s something certainly we’re looking at and we have taken steps already to look at that and see if there are further victims out there.
"We don’t believe so at this time but we can’t be complacent on that and we’ll continue to look to see if there are any further victims.”
Det Supt Hussey said officers would investigate possible further attacks, though there was presently no evidence of this happening .
In a prepared statement, the officer, who led the investigation, said: “Paul Taylor was tragically killed after suffering an assault at the hands of Jack Crawley.
"He was a much-loved father, husband, brother and friend who will 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.”
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