Judge to head inquiry into murder of Emma Caldwell

The Scottish judge of the Superior Court Lord Scott has been appointed to direct public investigation to Emma Caldwell’s murder.

Iain Packer was sentenced last year for killing the 27-year-old sex worker in Woods in southern Lanarkshire-19 years after he was first identified as suspicious.

The Scottish government ordered a public investigation led by the judge on the original police investigation on the death of Emma in May 2005.

Lord Scott was an outstanding human rights lawyer before becoming a judge in 2022.

Mrs. Caldwell’s family previously requested a judge from outside Scotland to preside over public investigation.

But speaking outside the Scottish Parliament, Margaret Caldwell, Emma’s mother, supported Lord Scott’s appointment to direct the investigation.

She said: “I am happy with this decision, I hope things get going now.

“We have waited a lot of time and there is no closure in what is concerned. I just have to live with everything.”

Mrs. Caldwell’s solitator, Aamer Anwar, added: “Lord Scott is respected for his formidable reputation in the struggle for human rights before being appointed Scottish judge.

“The family wanted a judge in which he could trust acting without fear or favor and a focus of attention in the heart of surveillance and the crown office in Scotland would shine.

“Margaret Caldwell hopes that Lord Scott is that judge.”

The Secretary of Justice, Angela Constance, said the investigation “would provide answers to the victims and survivors involved and ensure that the 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 pain they have suffered.

“Lord Scott has a solid history about human rights and I’m glad someone from their experience, experience and legal position will lead this research.

“It is important to note that Emma’s family supports her appointment.”

Lord Scott presided over the Scottish Human Rights Center from 1997 to 2005 and has previously directed a series of police powers reviews.

He said: “I am aware of the important public interest in this research and the importance it has for Emma Caldwell’s family.

“To mark my duties as president independently, thoroughly and the best I can.”