To ‘reflect’ on calls for inquiry into Caldwell case
Victim’s mother says anything less ‘would be a betrayal’
THE Scottish Government has said it will “seriously reflect” on calls for a public inquiry into police “failings” during the investigation into Emma Caldwell’s death.
Humza Yousaf and Justice Secretary Angela Constance met with Emma’s mother, Margaret, yesterday.
She is calling for a public inquiry into how the investigation into her daughter’s murder was carried out.
Iain Packer was jailed last week for life with a minimum of 36 years for the 2005 murder of Emma, and the rape and abuse of other women.
Aamer Anwar, Margaret’s solicitor, said yesterday: “The First Minister promised that he will give primary consideration to the family’s demands for a statutory public inquiry, and the Justice Secretary Angela Constance will update parliament within days on their decision.
“Since the murder of Emma Caldwell in 2005, many in the police will argue things have changed significantly.
“We do not accept this. In 2023, Sir Iain Livingstone whilst chief constable of Police Scotland, spoke of the misogyny within the police service.”
Anwar added: “How many women have to die or be raped before our police service and criminal justice system is held to account?
“We welcome the public statements of Humza Yousaf on tackling misogyny and violence against women, and we hope he will now commit to a robust and independent public inquiry on the catastrophic failures in the Emma Caldwell case.
“We appreciate that the Government will seek the views of the Lord Advocate and Chief Constable, whom we will also meet over the next two days, but they cannot be allowed to investigate themselves.”
Anwar said both the Crown Office and Police Scotland had questions to answer over “why one of the worst sex offenders in the UK was gifted his freedom for some 17 years”.
He added: “Margaret Caldwell wants more than words of condolences or apologies she believes an immediate public inquiry must be ordered anything less would be a betrayal of Emma Caldwell.”
Constance said there was “no doubt” that Margaret and “the other women affected by this horrific case” had been “let down” by the police.
The Justice Secretary said: “There is no doubt they were let down, so it is right that Police Scotland has apologised for the failures of the original investigation.
“The First Minister and I discussed Margaret’s call for a judge-led public inquiry and, as the First Minister made clear last week, we are very open to this.
“He was also clear that we wanted to meet with Emma’s family and hear their views directly before making any decisions.
“We will now seriously reflect on today’s discussion and give the family’s calls for a judge-led public inquiry primary consideration as we consider next steps.”
She added: “We have told the family we will take a quick decision and inform parliament when we do so.”