WEST FIFE politicians have backed calls for a change in the law which would ensure convicted murderers cannot be left in charge of the estate of the person they have killed.

As reported by the Press last week, Lorraine Taggart has been involved in a lengthy battle to have her jailed brother removed from being the executor of the home of their mum, Carol Taggart, who he killed in December 2014.

Since her death, Lorraine had, until last week, been unable to get access to her mum’s Dunfermline home to recover possessions and keepsakes.

She was eventually allowed into the house for one hour by Taggart on condition that she went alone – with two of Taggart’s lawyers escorting her – and was only allowed into her mum’s bedroom. When she got in, she was faced with the horror of the property being overrun with mice.

She said: “How is this looking after the estate? I can’t go on with sentimental items being eaten and the house rotting from inside out. This is not right.”

A petition started by Lorraine and her husband Stephen to get reform now has more than 13,000 signatures and she said she planned to contact MPs and MSPs to help with her fight.

Lesley Laird MP told the Press she fully supported a change in the law.

“Labour’s Daniel Johnson MSP raised this in the Scottish Parliament earlier this year and heard the issue would be considered as part of a wider government reform on inheritance law,” she said.

“I very much hope that overhaul will result in legislative changes which prevent victims’ relatives having to suffer what Lorraine has had to endure since she lost her mum.

“The loss of a loved one in such circumstances is harrowing enough without, due to antiquated laws, having to suffer years of psychological torment at the hands of the perpetrator.”

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said she contacted the Scottish Government earlier in the year to bring the case to their attention.

“There is no denying that this is a horrific situation for anyone to find themselves in. Lorraine and her family have my every sympathy,” she said.

“I was pleased to receive assurances that ministers remain committed to reforming and modernising the law of succession in Scotland, to ensure that the rights of individuals and families are protected.

“Ministers have advised that succession law has been under review, with the Scottish Government expected to respond to the Scottish Law Commission’s recommendations for reforms in the coming months.

“I’m heartened to know that the family will be meeting with representatives of the Scottish Government in order to share their experiences with them directly.

"As the government moves forward with the review process, it’s essential that the thoughts and concerns of people who have been affected by these laws are given full consideration.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson told the Press last week they were committed to reforming and modernising the law of succession in Scotland, to ensure a “clear and fair legal framework” for the law of inheritance, relevant to modern Scottish society and the rights of individuals and families.

“As part of this work, we will consider whether there is a need to amend the law to address the issue of convicted murders acting as executors for their victims,” added the spokesperson.

Anyone wanting to sign Stephen and Lorraine’s petition can do so at https://www.change.org/p/scottish-government-remove-prevent-convicted-murderers-from-being-executors-of-the-person-they-murdered-estate.