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The mother of a woman who was killed by a serial rapist is demanding a criminal inquiry into the mishandling of the case. This comes after Iain Packer managed to avoid prison for almost twenty years.
Since her daughter Emma was brutally killed and her unclothed body was found in a remote wooded region in South Lanarkshire in 2005, Margaret Caldwell has been tirelessly advocating for justice.
Packer was jailed for life with a minimum of 36 years at the high court in Glasgow this week, as well as 11 rapes and 21 charges of sexual assaults and violence against women.
During his trial, it was revealed that the 51-year-old had a long record of committing physical and sexual violence against women. The police did not take any action since 1990 because many of his victims were sex workers who were vulnerable.
Emma Caldwell was murdered by Iain Packer in 2005 but it took until 2024 for him to face justice (Family Handout/PA)
The woman’s mother is requesting for an independent police force to lead a criminal investigation and assess the actions of the authorities involved in the initial investigation.
Caldwell’s relatives will be meeting with the crown office this week, following the conclusion that a thorough examination of the case revealed a lack of evidence to support accusations of criminal behavior by any police officer.
The possibility of a judge-led public inquiry has not been dismissed by First Minister Humza Yousaf. In response to MSPs, he stated that it is being considered, and Ms. Caldwell emphasized the importance of making swift decisions.
Iain Packer has a past marked by aggressive acts of sexual and physical violence towards women (as reported by Police Scotland/PA).
The individuals responsible for taking action constantly postpone and prolong matters, resulting in passing of entire years without any progress. Despite numerous delays, they cannot be given permission to continue delaying. I have been advised to remain patient for almost 20 years, reassured that justice will prevail and that I must simply wait, as matters are more complex than they appear.
My family didn’t need to wait and the situation wasn’t as difficult as originally thought. However, they are still telling me to wait. I was 57 when Emma passed away, and I am now 76. How much longer must I wait to know who was responsible for Emma’s death and the reasons why? I am not willing to wait any longer for just words and promises. It is actions that matter now.
Even after being interviewed multiple times by the police during Miss Caldwell’s well-known murder investigation, Packer was never formally accused.
In 2004, he confessed to taking sex workers to Limefield Woods and paying one for a sexual act, which is where her body was later found.
Her mom has requested a criminal inquiry regarding the mishandling of the situation.
The author of this content is Andrew Milligan, and the content was published by PA Wire.
The woman’s mom claims that top police officials disregarded important evidence in order to protect their professional reputations, instead choosing to prosecute a group of innocent men.
She stated that there was sufficient evidence to convict the man years ago, but it was hidden. Concealing a crime is also considered a crime, and the responsible parties must now provide an explanation.
In 2015, an article revealed Packer to be a suspect in the murder case, prompting the Lord Advocate to order Police Scotland to reopen their investigation.
After he was found guilty, the police department issued an apology to the Caldwell family and other victims, acknowledging that their policing had failed them.
The origin of this text is the Independent, a UK-based newspaper.
