Jury in trial of man accused of Emma Caldwell murder continues deliberations

Iain Packer, 51, denies all the charges against him.

Emma Caldwell died in 2005 (family handout/PA) (PA Media)

The jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering Emma Caldwell almost 19 years ago has retired for a fourth day to consider its verdict.

Iain Packer, 51, is on trial accused of murdering Miss Caldwell, 27, who vanished in Glasgow on April 4, 2005 and whose body was found in Limefield Woods, near Roberton, South Lanarkshire, the following month.

At the High Court in Glasgow, he faces a total of 36 charges involving offences against 25 women, all of which he denies.

During the trial, jurors have heard evidence from witnesses whom Packer is alleged to have raped, assaulted, sexually and indecently assaulted, as well as police officers involved in the investigation and forensic experts.

Packer also gave evidence in his own defence.

Judge Lord Beckett has instructed jurors they should find Packer guilty of a charge of indecently assaulting Miss Caldwell after he admitted the offence while giving evidence.

He also directed the jury to convict Packer of a charge accusing him of abducting a woman, preventing her from leaving a house and detaining her against her will.

Following several hours of legal direction, Lord Beckett sent the jury out to consider its verdict on Friday morning.

After breaking for the weekend, it continued deliberating on Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning it retired for a fourth day to continue doing so.