Emma Caldwell's Family Demand Honesty from Police After Meeting Inquiry Chairman
The family of Emma Caldwell have issued a powerful demand for honesty from Police Scotland after meeting the chairman of the independent public inquiry established to examine the investigation into her murder.
Miss Caldwell was just 27 years old when she was murdered in 2005, but it took nearly two decades for her killer, Iain Packer, to be brought to justice. Packer was finally convicted in 2024 for her murder alongside a series of sexual offences against multiple women, receiving a life sentence with a minimum term of 36 years.
Initial Investigation Failures
The original police investigation has faced significant criticism for failing to apprehend Packer earlier. The independent public inquiry, chaired by Lord Scott KC, will specifically focus on the investigation conducted by Strathclyde Police, which was operating under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service at the time.
On Monday, Emma's mother Margaret Caldwell, along with other family members including her son Jamie Caldwell, brother Jim Coyle, grandson Stewart McGrory, and their legal representatives Aamer Anwar and April Meechan, met with Lord Scott in Glasgow to discuss the inquiry's progress.
Family's Concerns About Inquiry Scope
Following the meeting, a statement was read by Mr Anwar on behalf of Margaret Caldwell expressing deep concerns about the inquiry's potential limitations. The statement highlighted that many promises had been broken to the family over the years and emphasised that the true test of the inquiry would be whether it follows the evidence wherever it leads.
"The test of this inquiry will be whether it follows the evidence," the statement declared. "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 family specifically raised concerns about Police Scotland's exclusion from the inquiry's terms of reference, despite the force taking over responsibility from Strathclyde Police when eight regional forces were merged into one national body in 2013.
Demand for Comprehensive Investigation
"If this inquiry is to pursue the truth, then it must look not only at Strathclyde Police but what happened when Police Scotland took over responsibility," the family's statement continued.
The statement further revealed that according to the present Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain, Packer should have been arrested as early as 2008 had the police and Crown Office performed their duties properly. Instead, he remained free to commit further offences until his eventual arrest in February 2022.
Emma 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. Police had interviewed Packer in June 2005, but he wasn't convicted until his trial at the High Court in Glasgow nearly twenty years later.
Call for Unrestricted Evidence Gathering
The family's statement made a direct appeal: "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."
They emphasised the importance of the inquiry beginning as soon as possible, not just for Margaret Caldwell and Packer's many survivors, but also for honest police officers whose lives were affected by the case.
Iain Packer was found guilty of 33 separate charges, including Emma Caldwell's murder, 11 rapes, and 21 additional sexual assault charges against other women. Police Scotland has since apologised to the families of all victims for how the original inquiry was handled, acknowledging they were "let down."
Inquiry Progress and Official Responses
Mr Anwar indicated that the first preliminary hearing could commence as early as the end of this year. Meanwhile, 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."
Lord Scott has previously emphasised the impartiality and independence of the inquiry, stating: "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."
Police Scotland has been approached for further comment regarding the family's statements and the ongoing inquiry process.
