Prison death of killer Edward Cairney who murdered Margaret Fleming to be probed

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A sheriff will probe the death of Edward Cairney who murdered vulnerable woman Margaret Fleming and covered it up for almost two decades. ‌

Cairney and his partner Avril Jones were carers for the 19-year-old, who had learning difficulties, when they murdered her at their Seacroft home near Inverkip, in 1999. ‌

Her death was not reported and only came to light in 2016. Cairney and Jones were later convicted at the High Court in Glasgow and jailed for a minimum of 14 years in July 2019. ‌

Cairney, 82, was caged at Saughton jail when he died in October 2023.

A fatal accident inquiry will now be held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court where the full circumstances of his death will be investigated.

A preliminary hearing is set for 2 December 2025. The Fatal Accid