Yousaf to meet mother of Emma Caldwell

Scotland’s First Minister and the Justice Secretary will meet the mother of murder victim Emma Caldwell next week, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

It follows the conviction of Iain Packer who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years on Wednesday after being found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of murdering the 27-year-old in 2005.

He was also convicted of 11 rapes and 21 further charges including sexual assaults and abduction, involving multiple women, over 26 years.

Scotland’s Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Ourthoughtsarewithmargaret Caldwell and Emma’s friends for their tragic loss, and to the many victims in this horrendous case.

“For Margaret Caldwell and the other victims, justice has taken far too long.

“As the First Minister has very clearly stated, we are giving serious consideration and are open to a judgeled public inquiry. He was also clear that he wants to heardirectlyfrommargaret Caldwell before we take any decisionandthefirstminister and I will meet with her next week.”

Solicitor Aamer Anwar, whohasrepresentedemma Caldwell’s mother Margaret Caldwell since 2016, said his client is looking forward to meeting Humza Yousaf and Ms Constance next week.

Mr Anwar said he will meetmryousafandmsconstance to reiterate calls for a judge-led public inquiry.

The solicitor said the failures to investigate Miss Caldwell’s murder was “the worst scandal to ever hit our justice system”.

He said: “We welcome the First Minister agreeing to meet with Emma’s mother Margaret next week.

“As Margaret said after the verdict,thepolicehaveapologised after nearly 19 years, but that is not good enough. In that time six of the 25 victims died never to see justice.”