Murdered woman’s father feels sympathy over Pilley appeal

THE father of murdered Arlene Fraser has said his “heart goes out” to the family of Suzanne Pilley as her killer prepares to appeal against his conviction five days before Christmas.

Hector McInnes, said that David Gilroy’s appeal to have his conviction overturned will probably ruin the festive period for the Pilleys.

The 71-year-old said he understands their anguish after having to suffer a number of appeals by his daughter’s killer, Nat Fraser.

He said: “We’ve gone through what the 
Pilleys will have endure. My heart goes out to them. It’s horrible.

“The appeals process is a burden we’ve had to bear for more than a decade.

“It’s about time the courts considered the human rights of victim’s families. Repeated appeals put them through hell.

“We met with the family of Jodi Jones when her killer Luke Mitchell was in court asking for an appeal. Her mum said she didn’t know how we’ve been able to cope.

“The taxpayer also has to foot the bill for these appeals. It’s ridiculous how many there are.”

Gilroy, 50, was given a life sentence in April after being found guilty of murdering Ms Pilley, his former lover, in May 2010. Her body has never been found.

Gilroy’s defence team claims he was wrongly convicted for the murder. His solicitors were given permission to argue police should have told Gilroy he was suspected of committing a crime when officers interviewed him.