PA MediaThe family of Emma Caldwell has warned of “betrayal” and a “travesty of justice” after Police Scotland was left out of the inquiry’s remit.
Ms Caldwell was murdered in 2005, but it was not until last year that Iain Packer was convicted of her killing, along with a number of sexual offences against other women.
The initial police investigation has drawn criticism for failing to catch Packer, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years, almost two decades after the murder of the 27-year-old.
On March 7, 2024, weeks after Packer’s conviction it was announced that an independent judge-led inquiry would take place.
On Tuesday, the Scottish Government confirmed that the inquiry “will examine what went wrong in the investigation” conducted by Strathclyde Police, including the direction given by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The hearing, led by Lord Scott, will examine what steps could reasonably have been taken which might have resulted in Ms Caldwell’s killer being apprehended and prosecuted at an earlier stage
However, Margaret Caldwell, the mother of Ms Caldwell, remains concerned that Police Scotland’s exclusion from the terms of reference could absolve them of any responsibility.
Police Scotland took over the investigation in 2013 following its formation. Sex offender, Packer, was not found guilty of the murder for another 11 years.
Police ScotlandThe family of Emma Caldwell previously said they felt “betrayed” by the Scottish Government after the terms of reference for the inquiry into her death were drafted without their input.
A statement from family lawyer Aamer Anwar said: “A toxic culture of misogyny and corruption meant the police failed so many women and girls who came forward to speak up against Packer – instead of receiving justice and compassion, they were humiliated, dismissed and in some instances arrested, whilst the police gifted freedom to an evil predator to rape and rape again.
“We now know Packer carried out rapes, sexual offences and assaults many times after Emma’s murder in 2005. Margaret believes that officers sabotaged an investigation into Packer for a decade and have blood on their hands, for far too long they have remained in the shadows but must now answer for their betrayal.”
Justice Angela Constance stated that she hoped the inquiry into “what went wrong” during the murder investigation will “provide the answers for the family”.
She said: “My thoughts continue to be with Emma Caldwell’s mother Margaret and her family, who have suffered unimaginable heartbreak. The Public Inquiry will look at what went wrong in the investigation of Emma’s murder and I hope it will provide the answers that the family need and deserve.
STV News“I consulted with the Chair, Lord Scott, on the terms of reference for the Inquiry and also met the Caldwell family and other parties to discuss the Inquiry’s remit.
“While these terms do not feature all of the issues raised with me during discussions, I am satisfied that they are both well focused and sufficiently flexible and broad enough to allow the Chair to examine wider issues he may consider relevant to a robust, efficient and effective inquiry.”
The Inquiry Chair, Lord Scott, added: “I welcome the publication of the terms of reference, which will allow the Inquiry to proceed with its important work.
“I was consulted on the terms of reference by Scottish Ministers and I am satisfied that they will allow a thorough investigation of all the issues involved.”
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