Avril Jones, who murdered vulnerable woman Margaret Fleming, dies in prison

Avril Jones, who murdered vulnerable woman Margaret Fleming over two decades ago, has died in prison.

Jones was jailed for life alongside co-accused Edward Cairney in 2019 after being found guilty of killing Ms Fleming at their house in Seacroft, Inverkip, at some point between December 18, 1999, and January 5, 2000.

A death in custody notice confirmed that the 66-year-old died at HMP Stirling on Sunday, November 8.

Jones and Cairney were supposed to look after Ms Fleming, whose body has never been found.

Ms Fleming, who would have been 38 and had learning difficulties, lived in “disgusting and uninhabitable” conditions when she stayed with her killers.

Margaret Fleming's body has never been found. — Margaret Fleming’s body has never been found. Handout

The pair were found guilty of tying her up, cutting her hair short and depriving her of food before eventually murdering her.

Jones continued to claim £182,000 in benefits until it finally emerged that Ms Fleming was missing in October 2016.

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

“Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course.”