FAMILY FEUD OVER HOUSE
Lorraine Bristow has repeatedly pleaded with her brother to allow her to pick up tragic Carol-Anne Taggart’s clothes and old photographs.
But Taggart – who hid the fact he killed Carol-Anne while leading a missing person campaign for the 54-year-old – has refused.
And because he is the executor of the estate, Lorraine’s only option is legal action costing thousands of pounds.
The house in Dunfermline has been empty since Carol-Anne was killed in December 2014.
I n an emot iona l interview on Mother’s Da y, de v a s t a t e d Lorraine, 29, has told how Taggart’s actions have stopped her from grieving for their mum.
And she called for a change in the laws which have allowed him to pull the strings from behind bars.
Lorraine said: “Ross has said he’ll not let me in the house. I’ve begged him. It makes no difference.
“I want everything from it. I don’t want to let go of things.
“I want something that smells like my mum. I’m petrified that because of the time that has passed, the clothes might not have her smell anymore.
“All of this going on with the house means I’ve never been able to grieve properly. I’m existing, I’m not living. My husband and my boys drag me through life.
“I just want the pain to stop but this is making it worse. I want to close that chapter and he won’t let me.
“It would be nice to have those things to treasure but I have nothing. I’ve no baby photographs. I want to show my kids those photos of me with my mum.
“Just to see inside the house would help me say goodbye.
“Usually when somebody passes away, clearing the house is part of the process. I don’t get the chance to do that.
“I’d also like to see another family living a happy life in the house. Right now, the curtains are shut and it’s got bolts on the door.”
Lorraine believes Taggart’s refusal to co-operate is fuelled by a personal grudge against her.
She added: “This whole issue is aimed at me. It seems to be Ross having a dig at me.
“I have nightmares about him getting out. He has 18 years until parole. I try not to think of it but I can’t stop my brain at night when I lie down and try to sleep.”
The family have looked at whether they