Emma Caldwell's Family Call for Police Transparency After Inquiry Meeting
The family of Emma Caldwell have issued a powerful demand for honesty from Police Scotland after meeting with the chairman of the independent public inquiry established to examine the investigation into her murder.
Two-Decade Wait for Justice
Miss Caldwell was just 27 years old when she was murdered in 2005, but it took until 2024 for her killer, Iain Packer, to be convicted. Packer received a life sentence with a minimum term of 36 years for her murder along with multiple sexual offences against other women. The initial police investigation has faced significant criticism for failing to apprehend Packer sooner, allowing him to remain free for nearly two decades after the crime.
Family's Meeting with Inquiry Chairman
On Monday, Emma's mother Margaret Caldwell, along with other family members and their legal representatives Aamer Anwar and April Meechan, met with Lord Scott KC in Glasgow. Lord Scott chairs the independent public inquiry that will focus specifically on the investigation conducted by Strathclyde Police into Miss Caldwell's murder, operating under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Lord Scott has emphasised the complete impartiality and independence of the inquiry, stating previously: "This inquiry is independent of government, the institutions being investigated and any other organisation. My team and I will follow the evidence wherever it leads. I want to stress to you that I will discharge my duties as chair impartially and thoroughly."
Family's Concerns About Inquiry Scope
Following the meeting, a statement read by Mr Anwar on behalf of Margaret Caldwell expressed deep concerns about the inquiry's potential limitations. The statement highlighted that many promises made to the family over the years have been broken, and stressed that the true test of the inquiry would be whether it comprehensively follows all evidence.
"Margaret appreciates the terms of reference required to be broad enough to allow it to do its job, but she remains deeply troubled that they may be used by some parties at a later date to try and avoid accountability," the statement explained.
The family specifically raised concerns about Police Scotland's potential exclusion from scrutiny, despite the force taking over responsibility from Strathclyde Police in 2013 when eight regional forces were merged into one national body. Notably, Police Scotland is not mentioned in the inquiry's current terms of reference.
Missed Opportunities and Lasting Impact
Miss Caldwell's body was discovered in Limefield Woods, near Roberton in South Lanarkshire, on May 8, 2005, more than a month after she went missing in Glasgow. Although police interviewed Packer in June 2005, he wasn't convicted until his trial at the High Court in Glasgow nearly twenty years later.
The family's statement revealed that had authorities performed their duties properly, Packer could have been arrested as early as 2008, a fact confirmed to them by the current Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain. Instead, he remained free to commit further offences until his eventual arrest in February 2022.
"Margaret has said, and she has heard much lip service paid to this inquiry, but there must be no attempt by the Chief Constable, by Police Scotland and Crown Office to shut down the evidence or lines of inquiry at this inquiry," the statement continued. "It is important to Margaret and Packer's many survivors, as well as the honest police officers whose lives were destroyed, for this inquiry to begin as soon as possible."
Widespread Offences and Institutional Response
Packer was ultimately found guilty of 33 separate charges, including Miss Caldwell's murder, 11 rapes, and 21 additional sexual assault charges against multiple women. Police Scotland has since apologised to Miss Caldwell's family and Packer's other victims for how the original inquiry was handled, acknowledging they were "let down" by the investigation.
Mr Anwar indicated that the first preliminary hearing could commence by the end of the year. A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service stated: "Our thoughts remain with Margaret Caldwell and Emma's family, who have suffered a terrible loss. COPFS fully supports the independent public inquiry and will co-operate appropriately with the chair and inquiry team to help deliver answers for Emma's family and the public."
Police Scotland has been approached for further comment regarding the family's demands and the ongoing inquiry process.
