A COUPLE has today denied abducting and murdering a woman who "vanished" 18 years ago.

Margaret Fleming was reported missing in October 2016 - but prosecutors claim she has not been seen since December 1999.

Her carers Edward Cairney, 77, and Avril Jones, 58, deny murdering Margaret Fleming who was reported missing in October 2016 from the home they shared at Seacroft, Main Road, Inverkip, Renfrewshire.

Today, at the High Court in Glasgow, Jones was in court to enter a not guilty plea through her defence QC Ian Duguid.

Cairney, who is represented by QC Thomas Ross was not in court having been excused attendance.

Mr Ross said: β€œHe has mobility problems.”

Judge Lord Matthews set the trial date for April 23 at the High Court in Glasgow.