Burnley man accused of murder in ‘missing body’ case - jury visit scene of victim’s disappearance

The jurors, legal teams and judge Mr Justice Royce travelled to Bacup by coach to familiarise themselves with the locations mentioned during the case.

Father-of-four Paul Brady has not been seen since he was kidnapped by a masked armed gang in Beaufort Road, Weir, on August 1st, 2009.

35-year-old Paul Devalda, of Padiham Road, Burnley, is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of conspiring to kidnap him and murdering him. He denies those offences and also an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Alongside him in the dock is Heath Bowling (38), of High Lane, Stockport, who denies attempting to pervert the course of justice by giving false details to the DVLA and police.

Devalda’s girlfriend, Stacia Crossley (28), also of Padiham Road, has pleaded not guilty to three charges of assisting an offender.

The prosecution has finished its case and Devalda has begun giving his evidence but this was interrupted by the site visit.

He has told the court he was linked to some of the nearby locations because of his drug supply business and not because of any connection with Mr Brady.

The jury has heard 43-year-old Mr Brady, of Rochdale, led a double life, working as a site agent for a property developer and as a drug dealer.

The case continues.