24-04-2025
Human rights expert named chair of Emma Caldwell public inquiry
Human rights expert Lord Scott KC will lead the independent public inquiry into the investigation of Emma Caldwell's murder. Justice Secretary Angela Constance announced the appointment of Lord Scott, a Senator of the College of Justice, in an update to the Scottish Parliament this morning. He will be tasked with looking into the initial investigation into Emma's murder in 2005 when police repeatedly dismissed her killer, Iain Packer, as a person of interest despite significant evidence. He was eventually convicted some 19 years later in which time he continued his campaign of terror, rape and sexual assault against several other women. Emma's mother Margaret – who initially called for a judge from outwith Scotland to chair the inquiry – said she was content with the appointment of a judge who has a track record of scrutinizing Police Scotland practice. In a statement issued on behalf of Margaret, from Erskine , solicitor Aamer Anwar said: 'Today for a mother, the Emma Caldwell Public Inquiry is a chance of a legacy and of hope for all the victims of sexual violence and misogyny. '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.' The family had sought a judge from outwith Scotland as they feared police and the Crown Office could not be trusted to investigate themselves or their former superiors. Those authorities should also have no say in the remit of the inquiry, they argue. Mr Anwar added: 'A toxic culture of misogyny and police corruption freed a killer to rape and rape again, the many women who spoke up during the trial and those who were unable to, also deserve the truth and justice. 'I want to pay tribute to Margaret Caldwell, who as a grieving mother refused to be silenced, had it not been for her, the case of Emma would have been buried forever.' Speaking in the Scottish Parliament today, Ms Constance said she would work with Emma's family, Packer's other victims and Lord Scott to set out the terms of reference for the inquiry and also the time scale going forward. She said: 'In March last year, I announced that there would be a public inquiry into the investigation of Emma's murder in 2005 to provide answers to the victims and survivors involved and ensure that lessons are learned for the future. 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.' Packer was convicted of strangling Emma, who was a sex worker, and concealing her body in Limefield Woods, South Lanarkshire, on May 8, 2005. He was also found guilty of a further 32 crimes including 11 rapes and 21 charges, including sexual assaults, against other women. In the days following his conviction several former police officers revealed they had witnesses citing Packer as a sexually violent man who had repeatedly used prostitutes in Glasgow. Shockingly, senior police officers repeatedly eliminated him as a suspect and instead focused their efforts on four Turkish men. That case fell apart in 2008. Lord Scott 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. 'I come to this role with three years of experience as a judge of the Court of Session and High Court of Justiciary. This followed over 20 years in the voluntary sector, primarily in the area of human rights, as well as over 30 years in private practice as a criminal defence lawyer and work in several reviews which scrutinised the use of various powers by the Police Service of Scotland. 'I look forward to discussing the terms of reference with the Cabinet Secretary and to establishing and working with an inquiry team to start our work as soon as possible.' Lord Scott chaired the Scottish Human Rights Centre from 1997 to 2005; convened the Howard League for Penal Reform in Scotland from 2006 until 2018; and chaired Justice Scotland in 2014. In 2015, Lord Scott chaired an Independent Advisory Group on police 'stop and search' powers and chaired a group providing independent scrutiny on Police Scotland's use of emergency powers under Coronavirus legislation in 2020.
