The family of Emma Caldwell have said they feel “betrayed” by the Scottish Government after discovering that the terms of reference for the public inquiry into her death were drafted without their input. They said Justice Secretary Angela Constance had previously invited them to contribute, only to learn this week that a draft had already been circulated to other parties.
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Ms Caldwell was murdered in 2005, but her killer, Iain Packer, was not convicted until 2023, when he was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 36 years for her killing and several sexual offences. The original police investigation has faced sharp criticism for failing to identify Packer at the time, despite warnings from officers. Her mother, Margaret Caldwell, said the delays had left her exhausted and still seeking justice for her daughter.
The family’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar, said they should be treated as “core participants” in the inquiry, accusing officials of “patronising” them and reducing their involvement to a “box-ticking exercise”. He also argued that the Crown Office should be scrutinised, alleging that it had undermined the case against Packer and mishandled the investigation. He stressed that the inquiry was the “only vehicle for the truth” about how the case was dealt with.
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Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC said she recognised the profound importance of the matter for Ms Caldwell’s mother and had committed to maintaining direct contact through her solicitor. The Crown Office said it would continue to support the inquiry, while also pursuing independent investigations into alleged police misconduct. Justice Secretary Angela Constance added that the terms of reference were being finalised and reiterated her support for the Caldwell family.
