Glasgow's Unsolved Murders: Sister's Plea for Justice After 1997 Strangling
A compelling true crime podcast is casting fresh light on a series of brutal killings that terrorised Glasgow's streets between 1991 and 2005, with several cases still unresolved. The podcast, titled Beware Book, delves into the stories of eight women who were murdered during this period, featuring intimate interviews with their grieving families.
The Chilling Legacy of the 'Beware Book'
During the height of the fear, sex workers in Glasgow created a so-called 'Beware Book' to document dangerous clients, a desperate measure highlighting the peril they faced. Among the victims was Tracey Wylde, a 21-year-old mother-of-one who was choked to death at her flat in Barmulloch in November 1997. Her case remained unsolved for nearly two decades, adding to the anguish of her family.
Justice Delayed and Denied
In 2016, a breakthrough came when Zhi Min Chen, a Chinese-born individual, was arrested after his DNA was linked to the crime following an alleged assault. He was subsequently jailed in 2017 for a minimum of 18 years, later reduced to 16 years. However, for Tracey's sister, Bernadette McCash, this conviction has not brought true justice. "He'll be getting out of prison in 2036. He'll be able to live his life with his family. Tracey won't," she lamented, emphasising the lifelong impact on Tracey's daughter, Megan, who grew up without her mother.
A Sister's Heartbreaking Account
Bernadette McCash, now 40, was only 12 years old when her sister was murdered. She recalls the trauma of that time: "I was only 12 when she was murdered. I'm so sad I never got to do more sister stuff with her. That was ripped away from both of us." She also revealed that she was unaware Tracey was a sex worker, a fact that compounded the stigma surrounding her sister's death. "People thought my sister was scum. She took drugs, she sold her body. People didn't see her as a real human - a sister, a daughter," Bernadette stated, highlighting the societal prejudices that often marginalise victims in such cases.
Broader Failures and Calls for Change
The podcast also examines the case of Emma Caldwell, murdered in 2005, for which Iain Packer was jailed in 2024 after a flawed initial investigation. Police apologised to Emma's family, acknowledging a "toxic culture of misogyny and corruption" that hindered justice. In response, the Scottish government is considering a public inquiry into the handling of these investigations. Packer's conviction included 32 other charges, such as 11 rapes and multiple sexual assaults against 22 women, underscoring the systemic failures.
Bernadette's Urgent Demands
Bernadette is speaking out with two clear objectives. Firstly, she is advocating for better protection for sex workers, calling for regulated environments where safety measures, like clocking in and out, could prevent tragedies. "Sex work should be regulated. Women could clock in and clock out, so it's known they are back safe from a job," she urged. Secondly, she aims to keep Tracey's memory alive, hoping that sharing her story might save others. "If speaking out about her death ends up saving a life, it'll go some way to healing the hurt," she expressed.
Podcast Sheds Light on Dark Chapters
Hosted by Clyde One radio journalists Collette McGonigle and Callum McQuade, the Beware Book podcast offers a platform for these poignant narratives, available on various streaming services. By revisiting these unsolved murders, it not only honours the victims but also pressures authorities to address lingering injustices and improve safeguards for vulnerable communities.
