GRIM evidence about the state of Paul Taylor’s body was revealed in court at Carlisle today.
Forensic scientists took the witness stand in the murder trial and said in their expert opinion that the 56-year-old Annan dad had suffered at least ten blows to his head and his body had been burned.
Mr Taylor’s “skeletal remains” were found at Finlandrigg Wood nature reserve, near Kirkbampton, in May, hidden in undergrowth and lying under branches.
Forensic anthropologist Linda Ainscough described how a “large number” of bone fragments belonging to the former army veteran were discovered at the scene.
She helped reconstruct parts of his body but showed images and pointed out there are still some “gaps”.
Mrs Ainscough also told the jury of her findings with relation to burning.
Meanwhile, forensic archaeologist Alistair Vannan discussed finding bones, fabric and charcoal in a burn site in the wood.
Jack Crawley, 20, from Carlisle, denies murder, and Marcus Goodfellow, also 20, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assisting an offender.
The trial continues tomorrow.
See this week’s papers for further reports.
