A resolute mother has issued a stern warning to prosecutors, expressing concern that she may pass away before uncovering the truth behind her daughter’s tragic death if the inquiry continues to be delayed.
Emma Caldwell, aged 27, was found deceased in the woods, five weeks after she went missing from Glasgow city center in April 2005. Iain Packer, who was not convicted until nearly two decades later, was responsible for the murder of the sex worker.
The case was reopened following a newspaper article that highlighted Packer as the “Forgotten Suspect” in 2015, exposing flaws in the initial investigation linked to alleged police corruption. Packer received a life sentence in February the following year, prompting the Scottish Government to commit to an impartial judge-led public inquiry.
Despite this commitment, the inquiry has yet to commence, causing distress to Emma’s mother, Margaret, who has been tirelessly advocating for justice since her daughter’s tragic demise. Margaret, 77, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I will meet with Solicitor General Ruth Charteris next Wednesday and urge her to expedite the inquiry. Time is running out, and some victims have already passed away. The public inquiry must begin promptly to ensure justice for all.”
Margaret plans to meet with Charteris at the office of her solicitor, Aamer Anwar, to push for the prompt initiation of the investigation. Concerns have been raised that the delay may be attributed to a parallel criminal probe involving officers from the original murder investigation, as reported by the Daily Record.
Despite over a year passing, no external investigators have been appointed. Margaret expressed disillusionment with the Solicitor General, accusing her of obstructing the start of the public inquiry by suggesting involvement of an English police force in investigating Police Scotland, which she deemed impractical and wasteful.
Packer was convicted of Emma’s murder and 32 other charges, including multiple rapes and assaults on 22 women, culminating in the resolution of a long-standing cold case plagued by errors.
Anwar, representing Margaret and her family, demanded accountability for those responsible, emphasizing the need for the inquiry to proceed without further delays. He highlighted the critical role of the inquiry in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
Efforts have been made to expedite the inquiry, with Chief Constable Jo Farrell affirming the need to progress without unnecessary delays. Solicitor General Charteris KC expressed readiness to engage with Mrs. Caldwell and her legal representation to support the inquiry’s prompt commencement and the independent investigations into potential police misconduct.
Following Packer’s conviction, a year elapsed before Lord Scott was appointed to lead the public inquiry. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service reiterated their commitment to collaborating with Scottish Ministers, the inquiry’s chair, and Emma’s family to define the inquiry’s terms of reference and facilitate its progress.