Murdered Emma’s family ‘feel betrayed’ over inquiry

Emma Caldwell’s family have told of how they feel “betrayed” by the Scottish Government after the terms of reference (ToR) for the inquiry into her death were drafted without their input.

- NICK FORBES & BILLY GADDI

The family said the justice secretary had previously “invited” them to give input for the document, which sets out the areas the inquiry will cover, while speaking following a meeting with Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC in Glasgow on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the family said they learned a draft ToR had been drawn up and circulated with a number of parties to the inquiry without their knowledge.

Ms Caldwell was murdered in 2005 but it was not until last year that Iain Packer was convicted of her killing along with a number of sexual offences against other women.

The initial police investigation has drawn criticism for failing to catch Packer, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years, two decades after the murder of the 27-year-old.

Emma Caldwell's mother Margaret Caldwell, from Erskine, described the effect the wait for the inquiry was having on her.

“It’s just sheer disappointment and fatigue at waiting so long.