Killer stops kids saving dead mum’s belongings

THE son of murdered Carol Jarvis has spoken of his heartache at being prevented from collecting mementos from her home.

Kevin Jarvis, 25, today revealed the family had been barred from entering the house in Bathgate where their dad Harry killed Carol before hiding her body – because the jailed father was still the legal tenant.

The convicted murderer has insisted that his four children must not be allowed into the home and nominated a newly-freed jailhouse friend to take it over it was reported today.

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Now the Jarvis children, who grew up in the house, face an legal wrangle to retrieve keepsakes and pictures of their dead mother.

Harry Jarvis, 61, was convicted of murdering his 47-year-old wife after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh earlier this year.

His lover, Rita Heyster, 57, was convicted of defeating the ends of justice by helping conceal the murder.

“Our mum was murdered there so we wouldn’t live in the house,” Kevin Jarvis reportedly said today.

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“We know there is nothing of any value as dad had already sold all our stuff.

“But we all have personal items lift behind. We want to salvage things like the baby books mum kept.

“There are family photos, especially pictures of us with mum that mean a lot to us.

“We are just frustrated and angry. No one is showing compassion or using common sense.”

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West Lothian Council reportedly says Jarvis technically remains the legal tenant despite being locked up since March.

Kevin said: “It should have been a simple matter, but we’re being told to hire lawyers. We don’t want to thrown away money on something that just needs common sense.”

Neil Findlay, Labour MSP for the Lothians said “common sense has to prevail”.

He said: “The authorities must cut through the red tape and ensure that the family can recover their treasured possessions. After all their suffering and heartache it is wrong that this family have to go through yet more trauma.”

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John Lamont, justice spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: “[The family] have been left devastated by this tragedy and there should be no hesitation in allowing them to collect their personal belongings.

“If an individual has committed such a horrendous crime then it is only common sense for his rights as a tenant should be forfeited.”

But West Lothian Council defended its handling of the situation, saying: “We have written to the tenant and we are awaiting confirmation from him of his intentions with regards to the termination of the tenancy and disposal of belongings within the property.

“In the meantime, the council does not have authority to allow anyone, other than the tenant or someone nominated by the tenant, into the property.”

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