FM ‘very open’ to murder probe call by victim’s family

FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf is “very open” to the call from murder victim Emma Caldwell’s family for a statutory public inquiry into the investigation of her killer, the Scottish justice secretary has said.

Emma’s mother, Margaret Caldwell, and family met with Mr Yousaf and Justice Secretary Angela Constance at the first minister’s official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, days after Iain Packer was convicted of the 2005 murder of her 27-yearold daughter, as well as raping and abusing multiple women.

Speaking following the meeting, Ms Constance said she and the first minister were “very open” to the call for the public inquiry and a “quick decision” would be made.

In a statement following the meeting, the Caldwell family’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar, said: “Margaret

Caldwell wishes to thank the first minister and justice secretary for meeting her – they treated her with total compassion and empathy and she hopes they will deliver on the many promises they made.

“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 promised to update parliament within days on their decision.”

Mr Anwar said they did not accept there had been significant changes in the police since the 2005 murder.

Police Scotland have apologised to the family of Ms Caldwell and Packer’s other victims, admitting they were “let down” by policing in 2005.

Mr Anwar said: “We know that evidence exists that the abduction, rape and murder of Emma Caldwell and the subsequent rapes of women might have been prevented or at least disrupted had allegations against

Packer been properly investigated. 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, who we will also meet over the next two days, but they cannot be allowed to investigate themselves.

“Both institutions of Crown Office and the police must answer why one of the worst sex offenders in the UK was gifted his freedom for 17 years.”

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