Judge to head inquiry into murder of Emma Caldwell

Police Scotland Emma Caldwell smiles for the camera - she has reddish blonde hair. — Emma was murdered in 2005 by Iain Packer

Scottish high court judge Lord Scott has been appointed to lead the the public inquiry into the murder of Emma Caldwell.

Iain Packer was convicted last year of killing the 27-year-old sex worker in woods in South Lanarkshire – 19 years after he was first identified as a suspect.

The Scottish government ordered a judge-led public inquiry into the original police investigation into Emma’s death in May 2005.

Lord Scott was a prominent human rights lawyer before he became a judge in 2022.

Iain Packer was convicted of 22 offences against women, including 11 rapes

Iain Packer looks into the camera - he has a solemn face, and short dark hair — Iain Packer was convicted of 22 offences against women, including 11 rapes

The family of Ms Caldwell previously called for a judge from outside Scotland to chair the public inquiry.

But speaking outside the Scottish parliament, Margaret Caldwell, Emma’s mother, backed the appointment of Lord Scott to lead the inquiry.

She said: “I’m happy with this decision – I’m hoping things will get going now.

“We’ve waited a long long time and there’s no closure as far as I’m concerned. I just have to live with everything.”

Mrs Caldwell’s solicitor Aamer Anwar added: “Lord Scott is respected for his formidable reputation in fighting for human rights prior to being appointed a Scottish judge.

“The family wanted a judge who could be trusted to act without fear or favour and shine a glaring spotlight into the heart of policing and the crown office in Scotland.

“Margaret Caldwell hopes that Lord Scott will be that judge.”

Emma Caldwell’s mother Margaret and brother Jamie, with lawyer Aamer Anwar and solicitor April Meechan at the Scottish Parliament

PA Media Emma Caldwell's mother Margaret Caldwell and brother Jamie Caldwell, with lawyer Aamer Anwar (2nd right) and solicitor April Meechan (right) spoke to the media outside the Scottish Parliament — Emma Caldwell’s mother Margaret and brother Jamie, with lawyer Aamer Anwar and solicitor April Meechan at the Scottish Parliament

Justice secretary Angela Constance said the inquiry would “provide answers to the victims and survivors involved and ensure that lessons are learned for the future”.

She added: “The other victims, as well as Emma’s mother Margaret and the rest of the family, deserve nothing less after the unbearable loss, pain and grief they have suffered.

“Lord Scott has a strong track record on human rights and I am pleased that someone of his experience, expertise and legal standing will lead this inquiry.

“Importantly, Emma’s family support his appointment.”

Lord Scott chaired the Scottish Human Rights Centre from 1997 to 2005 and has previously led a number of reviews of policing powers.

He said: “I am aware of the significant public interest in this inquiry and the importance it holds for Emma Caldwell’s family.

“I will discharge my duties as chair independently, thoroughly and to the best of my ability.”