Murder trial
Couple 'murdered woman 18 years ago then pocketed £182,000 in benefits by pretending she was alive'
Margaret Fleming, who had learning difficulties, was last seen alive at her home in Seacroft, Inverkip in December 1999
Julie Gilbert
Two carers are accused of the murder of Margaret Fleming (Image: SWNS.com)
A Scottish couple have gone on trial for the murder of a woman 18 years ago.
Edward Cairney, 76, and Avril Jones, 58, are accused of abducting and murdering Margaret Fleming - who has not been seen since December 1999.
Investigators say the couple fraudulently claimed £182,000 in benefits by pretending she was still alive, the Daily Record reported.
The couple, who deny all charges against them, went on trial before Lord Matthews at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.
Police search at home of Margaret Fleming in Inverkip, Inverclyde (Image: James Chapelard / SWNS.com)
Ms Fleming has been described as a 'vulnerable' woman and was understood to have learning difficulties.
It is alleged Cairney and Jones abducted Ms Fleming at her home at Seacroft, Inverkip, locked her in a room, assaulted her, cut her hair and bound her arms and wrists with tape on various occasions between November 1, 1997 and January 5, 2000.
The pair are accused of murdering Ms Fleming, who would now be 37, by unknown means at some point between December 18, 1999 and January 5, 2000.
It is alleged that between December 18, 1999 and October 2016 they pretended to Department of Work and Pensions officials that Ms Fleming was alive, and claimed state benefits, obtaining £182,000 by fraud.
The pair also face two charges of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Police have dug up the couple's garden (Image: James Chapelard / SWNS.com)
It is alleged they disposed of, destroyed or concealed the remains and personal effects of Ms Fleming between December 18, 1999 and October 26, 2017.
They are also accused of trying to board a train to London at Glasgow Central Station on October 25, 2017 while carrying £3,500 and the keys to a safe deposit box at a bank in London which contained £27,000.
It is alleged they planned to travel and evade police and prosecutors.