Man sentenced to life for kidnap and murder of Rochdale man

A man has today (Thursday 17 March 2011) been sentenced to life for the murder of Paul Brady, from Rochdale, following his disappearance and violent kidnap in Bacup in 2009.

Paul Devalda, 35, of Padiham Road, Burnley, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to kidnap yesterday following a nine week trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Today he was told he must serve a minimum of 21 years for murder before he will be considered for parole. He was also sentenced to 14 years for kidnap but this will run concurrent.

Paul Brady, 44, of Rochdale was kidnapped from the Beaufort Road area of Weir, Bacup on Saturday, August 1st 2009.

Despite a major police investigation and extensive enquiries to find Mr Brady, his body has not yet been found and detectives believe he was killed and his body disposed of following the kidnap.

Another man was also convicted following the trial. Heath Bowling, 38, of High Lane, Stockport, was found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Sentencing for Bowling has been adjourned pending pre-sentence reports.

Heath Bowling, a trusted associate of Devalda, provided the Galaxy motor vehicle that was used in the kidnap and then unsuccessfully attempted to cover his tracks by telling lies and alleging he had sold the vehicle to a legitimate mystery buyer.

Stacia Crossley, 28, of Padiham Road, Burnley, was charged with assisting an offender. However, the jury failed to reach a verdict and the judge ordered they be discharged in respect of her.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/54047/man-found-guilty-of-conspiracy-to-murder-and-kidnap