A determined mother has issued a stark warning to prosecutors, expressing concerns that any further delays in the inquiry into her daughter’s death could result in her never knowing the truth before her own demise.
Emma Caldwell, aged 27, was found deceased in the woods, five weeks after she went missing from Glasgow city center in April 2005. It was later revealed that she had been murdered by Iain Packer, who was not brought to justice until nearly two decades later.
The case was reopened following a newspaper article in 2015 identifying Packer as the “Forgotten Suspect,” after an initial investigation was marred by allegations of police misconduct. Packer was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment in February of the following year, with the Scottish Government committing to an independent judge-led public inquiry.
Despite these developments, the inquiry has yet to commence, causing distress to Emma’s mother, Margaret, who has tirelessly fought for justice since her daughter’s tragic death. Margaret, aged 77, emphasized the urgency, stating, “Time is not on my side. Some victims have already passed away – this public inquiry must begin promptly before it’s too late for me or others.”
Margaret is scheduled to meet with Solicitor General Ruth Charteris to appeal for an end to the delays and a swift start to the public inquiry. Concerns have been raised that the delay is linked to a parallel criminal investigation involving officers from the original murder inquiry, which is expected to be conducted by an external entity.
However, after more than a year, no external investigators have been appointed, leading Margaret to express disillusionment with the Solicitor General’s handling of the situation. She criticized the proposed involvement of an English police force in investigating Police Scotland, labeling it as a costly diversion that impedes the quest for truth.
Packer was convicted of Emma’s murder along with 32 other charges, including numerous assaults and rapes against 22 women. His arrest in 2022 came after years of evading justice, during which he was interviewed multiple times by detectives but remained free.
Legal representation for Margaret, led by lawyer Aamer Anwar, has demanded accountability for those responsible for the mishandling of the case. Anwar stressed the importance of initiating the public inquiry promptly to uncover the truth and provide closure for the affected families and survivors.
Efforts to expedite the inquiry have intensified, with Anwar urging Chief Constable Jo Farrell to initiate the process promptly. In response, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs affirmed the commitment to progressing with the inquiry without undue delay.
Solicitor General Charteris KC expressed readiness to meet with Mrs. Caldwell and her legal representative to discuss the inquiry’s progression and address concerns regarding potential criminality by police officers. The establishment of the inquiry’s terms of reference is currently underway, with collaborative efforts involving Scottish Ministers, the inquiry chair, and Emma’s family.
The appointment of Lord Scott to lead the public inquiry followed Packer’s conviction, marking a significant step towards achieving justice and transparency in this long-standing case. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service reiterated their support for the inquiry process, emphasizing collaboration with all stakeholders to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.