- Avril Jones, who murdered vulnerable woman Margaret Fleming over two decades ago, has died in prison at HMP Stirling on November 8, 2026, as confirmed by the Scottish Prison Service.
- Jones and her partner Edward Cairney were convicted of murdering Margaret Fleming, who was last seen alive aged 19, at a family party in December 1999.
- Margaret Fleming went to live with Jones and Cairney in Inverkip after her father died in 1995, and was last seen alive in December 1999.
- Jones claimed £182,000 in benefits while covering up the murder; Margaret was reported missing in 2016.
- Margaret, who had learning difficulties, lived in disgusting and uninhabitable conditions when she stayed with her killers.
- The couple concocted numerous stories about Margaret's disappearance, including that she ran off with a traveller.
- A fatal accident inquiry into Jones's death is likely to be held, as is standard practice after deaths in custody.
Avril Jones, who murdered vulnerable teenager Margaret Fleming and claimed £182,000 in benefits, died in prison on November 8 at HMP Stirling.125678
Jones, 66, and her partner Edward Cairney, 82, were convicted in 2019 for the murder of Fleming, who was last seen alive at a family party in December 1999.34
The couple, who were supposed to care for Fleming, subjected her to horrific conditions, tying her up and depriving her of food before killing her.
Despite extensive police investigations, her body has never been found, and she was only reported missing in 2016.
Jones's fraudulent claims continued for nearly 18 years, during which she concocted elaborate stories about Fleming's disappearance, including that she had run off with a traveler.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay remarked, "Margaret Fleming was a vulnerable and innocent young woman who fell into the hands of two monsters."
Following Jones's death, a fatal accident inquiry is expected, as is standard after deaths in custody.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson stated, "Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual."
“Jones and partner Edward Cairney were convicted in 2019 for killing Fleming, who was last seen in December 1999 and whose body has never been found. A fatal accident inquiry is likely into Jones's death, a standard practice after deaths in custody.”
STV NewsEDP24
