Remains found in garden confirmed as those of murder victim.

12 March 2019, 18:37 | Updated: 12 March 2019, 18:39

Human remains found in a back garden have been confirmed as those of Julie Reilly.

The remains were discovered by police investigating her murder, following a search at a property in Lorne Street, in the Cessnock area of Glasgow, on Wednesday March 6.

They were identified as those of the mother-of-four following a forensic examination, Police Scotland has revealed.

Detectives have informed Ms Reilly's family and said the development now brings an "extremely harrowing" investigation to a close.

Ms Reilly, 47, was murdered and dismembered by Andrew Wallace, who was jailed for life last month.

Wallace, 42, was ordered to serve at least 28 years behind bars.

He had preyed on the vulnerable woman, moving into her Govan flat before stabbing her in the chest following an argument.

He admitted the crime and disposing of her body, with her femur bones previously found at two separate locations in the city.

Her family subsequently pleaded with the killer to reveal the location of her remains so they could lay her to rest properly.

Speaking after the remains were identified, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell, of the Scottish force's major investigation team, said: "Today I was able to meet with Julie's family and give them the news they have been hoping for, that they can finally bring her home to be put to rest.

"No family should have to go through what they've been through and they have shown such strength and dignity during this horrendously difficult experience.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for the invaluable assistance they gave to the inquiry team and hope they can now begin to move on with their lives.

"This also brings to a close what has been an extremely harrowing investigation for the team of specialist detectives involved. I would like to commend them for their dedication and meticulous approach, which has been critical in bringing the case to this conclusion."

After his sentencing on February 8, the victim's sister Lynne Bryce appealed to the killer: "Please tell us where Julie is."

High Court judge Lady Rae asked Wallace's lawyer if he would cooperate with police to recover the rest of Ms Reilly's remains.

Ian Duguid QC said the killer was "prepared to entertain an approach from the police".

Ms Reilly had suffered a brain injury in 2016 that left her with memory problems and slow reactions.

She was reported missing in February last year after she failed to pick up her prescription at the chemist and her family became concerned.

Two months later, a member of the public called police to say he could see what appeared to be a bone in his front garden in Ardshiel Road, Govan.

Wallace had previously been jailed for culpable homicide and had other convictions for violence.