Inquest opens after Accrington businessman's body found (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Inquest opens after Accrington businessman's body found

3:57pm Thursday 22nd November 2012 in Hyndburn

AN inquest has been opened into the death of an Accrington businessman discovered buried in woodland seven years after he disappeared.

East Lancashire Coroner Michael Singleton heard evidence that 42-year-old David Guildfoyle was murdered by Hapton-born Shane Fitzpatrick, before he buried his body in Admiral Woods, at Bolton-by-Bowland.

Police discovered Mr Guilfoyle’s body on November 9, six days after Fitzpatrick, a former guillotine operator at Calder Print in Burnley, contacted police from prison to confess to his guilt, and let them know the area where the body was buried.

Mr Singleton adjourned the inquest until December 20, so the police investigation could continue.

Fitzpatrick was jailed for a minimum of 20 years in 2006 after being found guilty of killing Mr Guilfoyle a year earlier.

The murderer, who had always maintained his innocence, admitted his guilt after finding God in prison, police said.