Avril Jones, convicted of murdering Margaret Fleming, dies at 66 in Scottish prison
Avril Jones, who murdered teenager Margaret Fleming with her partner and continued claiming her benefits for almost 18 years, has died in custody at HMP Stirling in Scotland, UK.
Jones, 66, died on Sunday, November 8, the Mirror reported. She and Edward Cairney were convicted of Fleming’s murder at the High Court in Glasgow in 2019.
Teenager’s body has never been found
Fleming, who had learning difficulties, was last seen alive aged 19 at a family gathering in December 1999. She lived with Jones and Cairney in Inverkip, Inverclyde, after the pair became her carers following her father’s death.
The couple murdered her between December 1999 and January 2000. Jones subsequently claimed £182,000 in benefits while the pair concealed her death.
Fleming was reported missing in 2016. Her body has never been found.
Prison service outlines procedures after a death
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said deaths in custody are notified to Police Scotland and reported to the procurator fiscal, with fatal accident inquiries held in due course.
