Fury over 'bail blindspot' that led to mum's murder

JOHN SWINNEY was confronted about failings in the justice system which allowed a dangerous man to kill a loving mum, despite being on repeated bail orders for violence.

- By David Walker Scottish Politics Reporter

The tragic case of Claire Inglis was brought up by Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay at First Minister’s Questions yesterday, with her parents watching from the public gallery.

He urged Mr Swinney to release an expert’s social work report into her death, and called on him to review a “bail blindspot” that is “putting women and children in danger”.

The 28-year-old was tortured and murdered by boyfriend Christopher McGowan at her flat on November 28, 2021. Social services raised concerns about McGowan weeks before he was deemed fit for release on bail.

The monster had 39 previous convictions, mostly for breaches of the peace and breaches of bail, and three for assault. One breach of the peace involved a former partner in

2014. In the months before Claire’s death, he had been granted bail five times and was ordered to her flat.