Edward Cairney, who murdered vulnerable woman Margaret Fleming two decades ago, has died in prison.
Cairney was jailed for life alongside co-accused Avril Jones 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.
The duo were supposed to look after Ms Fleming and her body has never been found.
Ms Fleming, who would have been 38 and had learning difficulties, has not been seen for 20 years and lived in “disgusting and uninhabitable” conditions when she stayed with her killers.
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: “Edward Cairney, 82, a prisoner at HMP Edinburgh has died on October 15.
“He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in 2019. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
“A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.”
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