The family of Emma Caldwell have demanded honesty from Police Scotland after meeting the chairman of the inquiry set up to examine the investigation into her murder. Miss Caldwell was murdered in 2005, but it was not until 2024 that Iain Packer was convicted of her killing, along with a string of sexual offences against other women.
The independent public inquiry, chaired by Lord Scott KC, will focus on the investigation carried out by Strathclyde Police, under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Her mother, Margaret Caldwell, and other family members met Lord Scott in Glasgow on Monday. Lord Scott has emphasised the impartiality and independence of the inquiry.
A statement read by the family's lawyer, Aamer Anwar, on behalf of Margaret Caldwell said she remained 'deeply troubled' that the terms of reference 'may be used by some parties at a later date to try and avoid accountability'. The statement added: 'If this inquiry is to pursue the truth, then it must look not only at Strathclyde Police but what happened when Police Scotland took over responsibility.' Police Scotland is not mentioned in the terms of reference.
There are no longer plans for an external investigation from police outside of Scotland into the original inquiry. A Crown Office spokesperson confirmed that while an independent investigation into potential criminality by police officers was instructed, it 'has not been possible at present due to pressures on UK-wide policing resources'.
Police Scotland have since apologised to the family for the way the original inquiry was handled, saying they were 'let down'. Mr Anwar said the first preliminary hearing could start as soon as the end of the year.
