A man convicted of murdering his lover has challenged police plans to auction off the car used to dispose of her body.

David Gilroy, 52, was jailed for life in 2012 for killing colleague Suzanne Pilley.

Gilroy's sentencing was the first time TV cameras were allowed in a Scottish court.

He has continued to protest his innocence ever since.

The 38-year-old bookkeeper's body was never found but key evidence at the trial related to the silver Vauxhall Vectra.

A gap of several hours between his departure and arrival, along with other circumstantial evidence, helped convince the jury he had detoured to dispose of Ms Pilley's body in the wilderness somewhere in Argyll.

Gilroy has written to 911 Recovery, the company currently holding the car, arguing Crown Office rules state all evidence used in the trial must be retained safely for the duration of his sentence.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) declined to comment on Gilroy's complaints.

A spokeswoman confirmed the release of the car had been triggered by COPFS, as a result of the conclusion of the appeal and Gilroy's failed SCCRC application.

They are not concerned about what happens to an item of evidence, held by the police once released.