He was originally interviewed as a witness because officers thought Ms Pilley was alive.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid

However, it became clear to officers Gilroy had murdered Ms Pilley and he was arrested and charged.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid

Prosecutors believe Gilroy attacked Ms Pilley and transported her remains in the back of his car across Scotland.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid

He was jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh for life in April 2012 for murdering Ms Pilley in May 2010.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid

The hearing at the Court of Criminal Appeal comes 12 months after Gilroy was convicted at the High Court for murdering Ms Pilley.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid

On Wednesday, Gilroy's legal team argued police broke the law when they were investigating their client in the days following Ms Pilley's disappearance.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid

The killer of Suzanne Pilley has failed in his bid to have judges at Britain's highest court review his claims he is the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid

Speaking afterwards, Ms Pilley's family welcomed the verdict.

BBC: David Gilroy fails in Supreme court appeal bid