The families of victims involved in Scotland’s highest profile murder cases are demanding convicted killers be refused parole unless they reveal where they dumped the bodies.
Arlene Fraser was murdered by her husband Nat Fraser in Moray in 1998 after waving her children off to school. Her remains have never been found.
Edinburgh bookkeeper Suzanne Pilley’s body has also not been discovered despite her former lover David Gilroy being convicted of killing her and getting rid of her remains in remote woods in 2010.
Gilroy’s public denial began after he was confronted on camera by Sky News weeks after Ms Pilley, 38, vanished. He lied and said he was not involved in her death.
Asked directly if he killed Ms Pilley, he replied: “I’ve got nothing to say, I’ve assisted the police with questions.”
He was later arrested, convicted and jailed for at least 18 years.
The families of Ms Fraser and Ms Pilley joined forces to host a media conference in Glasgow on Wednesday after a meeting with Scotland’s justice secretary to discuss upcoming changes to parole legislation.
Death of boy, 10, who fell down Glasgow construction site manhole was ‘avoidable’, inquiry finds
Case of suspect charged over gang sex attacks on two men in Glasgow in 2003 ‘under consideration’ by Crown Office
Pass rates rise in Scotland as pupils receive exam results
Both Fraser and Gilroy are serving mandatory life sentences, but Fraser will be eligible for parole in October 2028 and Gilroy in March 2030.
Follow our channel and never miss an update.
Original plans to strengthen the law in Scotland would have seen killers being compelled to reveal the location of their victim’s bodies or face having their parole rejected.
But Scottish ministers have accepted a proposed amendment that states parole boards “must” take into account the refusal to cooperate.
Under current legislation, parole board rules dictate that it “may” be taken into account.
Ms Pilley’s sister, Gail Fairgrieve, said: “The parole board needs to understand that his crime is still continuing, he is perpetrating the crime against us. We are still dealing with this every day.
“Everyday events – like you go into a card shop and you can’t buy anything for your sister. It is there constantly, and he has information that could put us at ease. There is no remorse.”
Carol Gillies, Ms Fraser’s sister, said: “It’s a form of mental torture. He has that information, there is no doubt about it.”
Talking directly to killer Fraser, Ms Gillies said: “This is your choice. Tell us more or go back to your cell.”
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Justice Secretary Angela Constance denied watering down the plans amid recent accusations of a “betrayal” to victims.
The MSP told Sky News the families of murder victims gave their support to the proposals.
She said: “Right now the parole board doesn’t have to take this information into consideration. What I am saying is that I have and will continue to work with parliament to ensure that the law changes so that the parole board must take this into account.”
In England Helen’s Law was introduced in 2021; denying killers parole until they reveal where they hid victims’ remains.
It was named after Helen McCourt who was killed in 1988. The English law has prevented several murderers from being released.
The new Scottish legislation is likely to come into force within the next year.
