Louise Tiffney case: Sean Flynn found dead in Spain after failing to show for trial, lawyer says
Aamer Anwar says the 37-year-old, who was accused of murdering his mother, has taken his own life
Last updated 22nd Oct 2021
The man accused of murdering his mother - Edinburgh woman Louise Tiffney - has been found dead in Spain, according to his lawyer.
A statement from Aamer Anwar said 37-year-old Sean Flynn had taken his own life.
A warrant had been issued for his arrest following his failure to appear for trial at the High Court in Livingston this week.
Ms Tiffney was 43 when she was last seen outside her home in Dean Path in 2002.
Her remains were discovered near a stately home in Longniddry fifteen years later.
The statement by Aamer Anwar said: "I can confirm that this morning, we were advised that Sean Flynn, aged 37, who failed to appear for trial for the murder of his mother, Louise Tiffney 19 years ago, was according to the police found dead in Spain, after taking his own life.
"A warrant was issued on Tuesday for the arrest of Mr. Flynn, after he failed to show at the High Court in Livingston to stand trial.
"Until recently Mr Flynn had resided in Berlin.
"Any loss of life is a tragedy, Sean Flynn’s next of kin has been informed and there will be no further comment."
Flynn had been due to stand trial accused of murdering his mother and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by putting her body in the boot of a car, driving to a wooded area and disposing of it.
At a previous hearing, a QC representing Flynn said he denied the charges.
Flynn was cleared of murdering his mother by a jury following a trial in 2005, having denied the charge against him.
Prosecutors applied for permission for a retrial under double jeopardy legislation, which allows a person to be retried for a crime for which they were previously acquitted.
Judges then quashed the previous verdict and authorised a fresh prosecution.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were notified by Spanish police on Thursday, 21 October, about the death of a 38-year-old man in the Alicante region.
"Formal identification is still to be carried out however the family of Sean Flynn have been informed.
"We will continue to work with the Spanish police to establish the full circumstances but at this time, the death is not believed to be suspicious."
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: "COPFS are aware of the reports concerning the death of Sean Flynn and are awaiting official confirmation from the Spanish authorities."