Margaret Caldwell, the heartbroken mother of murdered Emma Caldwell, has issued a powerful vow to continue her relentless fight for justice, declaring she will 'die fighting' for her daughter. Her defiant statement comes as a monumental probe into potential police corruption surrounding the initial investigation is poised to commence.
The long-awaited inquiry, to be led by the renowned Lady Poole, will scrutinise the actions of Police Scotland and its predecessors. It will specifically examine whether officers deliberately obstructed justice to protect a key suspect, potentially allowing killer Iain Packer to remain free for years.
A Mother's Unwavering Resolve
Speaking with raw emotion, Margaret Caldwell stated, 'They thought I would go away, but they were wrong. I will die fighting for my daughter.' She expressed a mix of exhaustion and determination, having spent nearly two decades battling for the truth since her 27-year-old daughter was murdered in 2005.
'We have been fighting for 17 years. We are exhausted but we are not going away,' she told the Sunday Mail. 'We want this inquiry to leave no stone unturned.'
A Case Marred by Failure
The investigation into Emma's death is widely considered one of Scotland's most devastating police failures. Despite Iain Packer being a prime suspect early on, he evaded justice for 19 years. He was finally convicted and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 36 years just this February.
The inquiry will delve into alarming allegations, including:
- Whether police surveillance on Packer was deliberately called off.
- If evidence was ignored or suppressed to shield him from prosecution.
- Why the original investigation focused erroneously on four Turkish men.
- The overall culture of misogyny and corruption that may have plagued the case.
Lady Poole's investigation is expected to be extensive, granting her significant powers to compel witnesses and demand evidence, aiming to provide the Caldwell family with the long-overdue answers they deserve.
