Emma Caldwell’s family is calling for a fair inquiry into her murder, urging the new judge to ensure justice is served without delay.
Glasgow: Emma Caldwell’s family is really pushing for justice. They want Scotland’s new top judge to make sure the inquiry into her murder goes smoothly. Emma was just 27 when she was killed by Iain Packer, a serial rapist. It took nearly two decades, but he was finally sentenced to life in prison earlier this year.
The family is worried about who will lead the inquiry. They believe it should be someone from outside Scotland, not someone who has worked with the Crown Office. They feel this is crucial for a fair investigation. Last March, the Scottish Government promised a public inquiry into how the police handled Emma’s case.
Emma’s mother, Margaret, and their lawyer, Aamer Anwar, have been vocal about their concerns. They met with First Minister John Swinney and Justice Secretary Angela Constance to discuss the situation. They want to ensure that the new Lord President, Lord Pentland, doesn’t block their request for an impartial judge.
Margaret Caldwell made a heartfelt appeal, saying she just wants her family to get the justice they deserve. She’s been waiting for nearly a year and is determined to keep fighting. Anwar emphasized the need for fresh eyes on the case, as he believes important evidence may have been lost or destroyed.
He pointed out that police officers may have silenced others who knew the truth about Packer. The family is adamant that a judge from another part of the UK should lead the inquiry. They want to ensure that the investigation is thorough and fair.
Emma’s body was found in 2005, over a month after she went missing. The police have since apologized for their handling of the case. Mr. Swinney expressed his condolences and stressed the importance of the family having confidence in the inquiry’s leadership.
He reassured them that an independent, judge-led inquiry will take place. The family is hopeful that their voices will be heard and that justice will finally be served.
