Margaret Fleming murder: Killer couple both now dead and take secret of victim's remains to the grave

Two killers who murdered a vulnerable woman have both now died - taking the secret of where they hid their victim's remains to the grave.

Avril Jones, 66, died in hospital on Sunday while serving a life sentence at HMP & YOI Stirling for the murder of Margaret Fleming.

Jones' partner-in-crime Edward Cairney died at HMP Edinburgh in October 2023 aged 82.

Ms Fleming, 19, who had learning difficulties, was last seen around December 1999 but it did not become apparent she was missing until October 2016.

In 2019, Cairney and Jones, her supposed carers, were found guilty of murder and perverting the course of justice and were sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years.

Jones was also convicted of fraudulently claiming £182,000 in benefits by pretending Ms Fleming was still alive.

Ms Fleming's body has never been found despite searches of their home in Inverkip, Inverclyde.

Police Scotland said Jones died at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A force spokesperson added: "Whilst both of those convicted for Margaret Fleming's murder have now died, we will continue to act on any information we receive about where her body is so that we can ensure Margaret is given the funeral she deserves."

The High Court in Glasgow heard Ms Fleming had moved in with Cairney and Jones when she was a teenager following the death of her father.

By October 1999, the household - said to have financial troubles - was collecting her benefits.

Prosecutors alleged that Ms Fleming was murdered at some point between December 1999 and January 2000.

The Crown Office suggested it was "tempting" for the couple to have the money but not the "inconvenience" of looking after her.

Both Cairney and Jones were said to have "literally got away with murder for 16 years" and devised an "elaborate scheme" to conceal her disappearance.

As police investigated the couple, they claimed she was working as a gangmaster and capable of travelling overseas - as well as being someone with major difficulties in need of a number of benefits.

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay was working as a journalist when he interviewed the couple in 2017 over Ms Fleming's disappearance.

Following Jones' death, Mr Findlay said: "Margaret Fleming was a vulnerable and innocent young woman who fell into the hands of two monsters.

"With both of her killers now dead, the only tears that should be shed today are in Margaret's memory.

"The refusal of Cairney and Jones to ever reveal the location of her remains confirms that they didn't possess an ounce of decency or compassion."

A Scottish Prison Service (SPS) spokesperson said: "Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual."

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