THEY had earned enough from their bustling arcade business in Scotland to retire to a quieter life in the Algarve.
But Jill and Trevor Taylor’s dream life in Portugal has been turned into a nightmare since an alleged incident in which an intruder in their home died after being tackled by Mr Taylor and his son.
It has been reported the 60-year-old and his 31-year-old son Scott restrained the man when he was found in the family’s villa while Mrs Taylor, 59, called the police.
Paulo Brito, 35, was named as the alleged raider who was said to have died shortly after police arrived.
The cause of death has not yet been released.
The Taylor family are reported to have gone into hiding now amid fears there could be some form of attack in response.
The keen golfing family were said to have been left living in fear after the incident and have not been seen at their home since the death over a week ago.
While they trust the police investigation will clear them of any wrongdoing, it was reported Mr Brito had criminal connections and this was of concern.
It was claimed Mr Brito had served eight years for violent robberies, was released from prison less than a year ago and was on parole.
The Taylors moved to Portugal several years ago after selling their amusement arcade in Linlithgow, West Lothian.
They are members of a prominent show family who have run fairground attractions for generations.
Mr Taylor’s brother Winstan Taylor, 74, from Glasgow, was quoted as saying: “Trevor is not a guy who will be pushed around but he is not someone you would think would be excessively violent either.
"It's hard to imagine this happening to people like them.”
He said: “I can’t believe Trevor or Scott could intentionally hurt someone.
“I’m sure when the facts come out they will be cleared. I hope so.”
Another family member reportedly said they were shocked at the news but “confident that Trevor and Scott will be proven to have done nothing wrong”.
"Surely they are entitled to defend their homes?"
The sister of the suspected housebreaker told reporters that she questioned why her brother had to die.
Ana Brito said she was angry and grief-stricken and said: "He didn’t try to kill anyone. He didn't have a weapon."
"I understand that if you find someone inside your home you have to defend yourself, but not by killing anyone."
It was also claimed Ms Brito said that although her brother had a troubled past and mental health problems, he was well-liked in the community of Quarteira, nearby the Taylors' Vilamoura home, and his death had devastated her family.
Under Portuguese law, people are allowed to use legitimate force if they believe they are in danger, but if the force is deemed to be excessive they could face legal action.
Police are continuing to investigate the case involving the family who were said to have been questioned by officers but not arrested.
Jay Taylor, one of the couple's sons who works as a golf professional in Orpington Golf Centre in Kent, said earlier his parents were "fine but in shock".
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