Body in woods confirmed as murder victim David Guilfoyle

Hapton man Shane Fitzpatrick was convicted of the killing of Mr Guilfoyle (37) in July 2006 – but no body was ever found.

Fitzpatrick (42) who was jailed for life, rang police from prison to confess the body was buried in a shallow grave in woodland near a Ribble Valley village.

A massive police search was launched of Admiral’s Wood near Bolton-by-Bowland with officers in forensic suits and specialist sniffer dogs.

Remains were found by officers last Friday and tests were carried out to determine the identity of the body.

But police have now confirmed it is that of murdered Accrington businessman David Guilfoyle.

A statement from Lancashire Constabulary read: “While we have always remained hopeful that Shane Fitzpatrick would reveal where David’s body is, despite extensive enquiries and searches, we have never, until now, been able to find his body.

“Following information divulged by Shane Fitzpatrick that he had buried David’s body at Admiral’s Wood, searches commenced on Saturday, November 3rd and a body was found on the afternoon of Friday, November 9th.

“Following a post mortem examination carried out on Tuesday we can confirm that the body found during those searches has now been identified as that of David Guilfoyle.

“This development means that David’s body can now be returned to his family and they can finally bury him with the dignity that he deserves.”