'Carer' couple get life prison sentence for murdering vulnerable woman
Margaret Fleming was "in your care and you breached the trust placed in you," the judge told Edward Cairney and Avril Jones.
Wednesday 17 July 2019 12:37, UK
A couple have been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 14 years each for murdering a vulnerable woman who they were supposed to be caring for.
The body of Margaret Fleming, who had learning difficulties, has never been found. She "vanished from the face of the Earth" around December 1999 when she was aged 19.
Her supposed carers Edward Cairney, 77, and Avril Jones, 59, were found guilty of murdering her by unknown means between 18 December 1999 and 5 January 2000 at their home in Inverkip, Inverclyde, or elsewhere in Scotland.
Jones was also convicted of fraudulently claiming £182,000 in benefits by pretending Ms Fleming was alive.
The couple were also convicted of perverting the course of justice.
Judge Lord Matthews said: "You were convicted after trial of the murder of Margaret Fleming.
"Precisely how that was accomplished and any other circumstances was not disclosed in evidence and only you two know the truth. Only you two know where her remains are.
"That remains a source of immense grief as far as her mother is concerned.
"It seems obvious that the motive for the murder and cover up was financial."
He added: "Margaret Fleming was a vulnerable young woman with evident difficulties. She was in your care and you breached the trust placed in you.
"The manner in which you spoke about her was cruel. The web of deceit that you span was callous and calculating."
Detective Superintendent Paul Livingstone, who is investigating the case, urged the killers to reveal where their victim's body is.
He said: "Margaret was a very vulnerable young woman when she was abused, neglected, manipulated and murdered by these two greedy, evil individuals.
"Margaret's family and friends will never know just what happened to her and they have been denied the right to pay their final respects to her at her funeral.
"I would say to Cairney and Jones - if you have a scrap of decency you will give the answers to the questions that Margaret's family deserve."
Police launched an investigation in October 2016 when it became clear Ms Fleming was missing.