Public inquiry into Emma Caldwell’s murder announced by Scotland’s justice secretary

An independent judge-led statutory public inquiry will examine the police response to the murder of Emma Caldwell almost 20 years ago, Scotland’s Justice Secretary announced on Thursday (7 March).

The 27-year-old was killed by serial rapist Iain Packer in 2005.

He was jailed for life after being found guilty of her murder and multiple sex offences involving 22 other women.

Packer was interviewed by police officers the month after her body was found in May that year, but he was only convicted last week.

Police Scotland has apologised to the family of Ms Caldwell and Packer’s other victims, saying they were “let down” by policing in 2005.