Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Judge bails murder suspect

Michelle McKenna
13/ 4/2006

A GUILLOTINE operator accused of the murder of an Accrington businessman has been dramatically released on bail after four months in custody.

Shane Fitzpatrick, 36, of Lyndale Road, Hapton, was granted conditional bail after applying to a judge in chambers at Preston Crown Court last Tuesday.

He was first arrested in connection with the murder of David Guilfoyle last summer but was released on bail after being held in police custody for 72 hours. He was re-arrested the following month, charged and brought before Hyndburn magistrates.

He appeared before Preston Crown Court in November last year when he entered a not guilty plea and was remanded in custody by the judge, Mr Justice Davis.

A two-week trial had been scheduled for March but was adjourned just days before it was due to start and a new trial date has been set for Tuesday 20 June.

Mr Guilfoyle, 35, of Royds Avenue, Accrington, went missing in May last year after watching the Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan at the Grey Horse pub, Whalley Road, Accrington, with friends.

Police carried out a detailed forensic search of his £230,000 bungalow and officers with sniffer dogs searched woodland and moors in Hyndburn.

Last month police drivers scoured the Ponden Reservoir in West Yorkshire but no body has ever been found.

Fitzpatrick, a keen runner, took part in the Burnley 10K race at the weekend. He said he had been advised by his solicitor to make no comment.