Oxford News
Oxford Big Issue seller remembered for his ‘kindness’
Paul Crawford, a familiar face to many on the streets of the city where he could be spotted selling copies of the social enterprise magazine and befriending passersby, died on December 30 last year.
An inquest was held into the death of the 48-year-old man at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on Thursday, April 30, which heard Mr Crawford took his own life at his home in Oxford.
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Mr Crawford’s niece, Megan Jones, said her uncle was more loved than he knew by those around him.
“Our relationship with Uncle Paul wasn’t straightforward,” Ms Jones said on behalf of herself and her sister.
“When we were little, he promised mum he would stay away from us unless he got clean, a promise he kept even when we were adults, even though we reached out.
“He was so involved with us when we were little, though, babysitting us, watching films, and always going along with whatever make-believe game we came up with, and he was always so much fun, a true Crawford trait of being a wind-up merchant.
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“What is so amazing is how, despite his traumas, he cared so much about others.
“Whether it was walking someone’s dog or doing shopping for older folks around Summertown, these ‘so Paul’ moments of kindness were his trademark.
“He listened to you and showed so many that you were loved and that you mattered.
“The world could use a lot more of that.”
The mark that the Big Issue seller left on Summertown was clear in the wake of his death, when a bench in the city neighbourhood was filled with tributes left in memory of the well-known Oxford character.
Evidence heard at the inquest suggested Mr Crawford had struggled with class A drug addiction for some time, suffered some long-term health conditions, and was finding it difficult to cope with bereavements of friends and family members.
Mr Crawford’s friend, Dan, described by his niece as ‘more like a brother’, died in early last year.
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In a statement read to the court, another friend of the deceased, Kevin Cooper, said: “We spent Christmas Day together as we were both on our own and I knew the time of year would be particularly hard for Paul.
“He had lost a close friend who he lived with in early January, and I knew Paul had never recovered from this as he would frequently tell me how much he missed him.
“Christmas was a good day. Paul was laughing and joking and playing with my dog.
“This was a shock to me. I am devastated by his death, and I think about him every day.”
The coroner concluded that Mr Crawford’s death was a suicide, and he died by hanging in his home on December 30, 2025.
He was discovered by police officers conducting a welfare check on January 1.
- Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can contact jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.
The Refugee Flag was flown at Witney Town Hall to mark World Refugee Day.
Mayor Councillor Jane Doughty and Deputy Mayor Councillor Sandra Simpson raised the flag in support of refugees living in Witney and around the world.
World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
In an online post, Witney Town Council said: “This morning, the Mayor, Cllr Jane Doughty, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sandra Simpson, raised the Refugee Flag at the Town Hall, marking World Refugee Day.
“The flag is raised every year on the flagpole as a gesture of solidarity with the refugee community here in Witney and across the world.”
Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.
The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.
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He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.
“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.
“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.
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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.
“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”
Home-Start Oxford is marking Small Charity Week, running from June 22 to 29, by highlighting the vital role small organisations play in supporting communities.
Based in the centre and west of Oxfordshire, the charity offers free, confidential support to parents and carers with young children who are experiencing challenges such as postnatal depression, isolation, bereavement, health issues or disability.
Katharine Barber, CEO of Home‑Start Oxford, said: “Small charities are often closest to the people who need them most.
“We may be small in structure, but the difference we make is huge.
“Every week, our volunteers and staff walk alongside families who are facing incredibly tough circumstances, offering practical help, emotional support and a listening ear.
“Small Charity Week is a chance to shine a light on the essential role organisations like ours play in strengthening communities and to recognise the people who make it all possible.”
Despite rising demand, higher costs and a challenging funding environment, Home‑Start Oxford has supported more than 600 families so far this year.
This impact has been made possible thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, staff and supporters.
The charity is encouraging people to mark Small Charity Week by turning short-term awareness into lasting action.
Ms Barber said: “There are so many ways to support a small charity – from volunteering a few hours, to holding a fundraiser, becoming a regular giver, or simply sharing our work with others.”
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