Life sentence for murdering rapist (From Daily Echo)

Life sentence for Paul Taylor from Fareham for rape and murder of Sally McGrath in 1979

1:09pm Wednesday 5th December 2012 in Crime

A sexual predator and killer convicted of a 1979 murder has been jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years.

Former builder Paul Taylor, 60, was convicted yesterday of the murder of Sally McGrath, from Peterborough, after escaping justice for more than 30 years.

Miss McGrath, 22, was found naked except for a pair of boots and partially buried in woodland at Castor Hanglands, to the west of Peterborough, on March 1, 1980.

Taylor, of Valentine Close, Fareham, was also found guilty of three rapes, an attempted rape and a serious sexual offence.

Detectives from Cambridgeshire Police have now said they are looking into the possibility that he attacked more women during his time at large.

Today, at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Mr Justice Owen said: ''I think it is clear there was a sexual element to the murder of Sally McGrath.

''The evidence revealed a pattern of behaviour in which you lured your victims in under the pretence of giving them a lift home.

''You then drove them to a rural or isolated area and forced yourself upon them.

''Your predatory sexual attacks took place over 30 years ago but your victims have been left scarred for life.

''I have no doubt the brutal murder of Sally McGrath followed the same pattern and resulted from her resistance to your sexual demands.''