Public inquiry into murder of Emma Caldwell begins

The statutory inquiry will examine what went wrong in the investigation carried out by Strathclyde Police into the murder of Emma Caldwell, including the direction given by the Crown Office.

It will examine what steps which could reasonably have been taken that might have resulted in Ms Caldwell’s killer being apprehended and prosecuted at an earlier stage, and any other factors relevant to the circumstances of the investigation and related prosecution.

Now the inquiry has been formally established, it is operating independently of the Scottish government, under the direction of the chair Lord Scott, and will make recommendations to Scottish ministers to address any findings as soon as is practicable.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “My thoughts continue to be with Emma Caldwell’s mother Margaret and her family, who have suffered unimaginable heartbreak. The public inquiry will look at what went wrong in the investigation of Emma’s murder and I hope it will provide the answers that the family need and deserve.

“I consulted with the chair, Lord Scott, on the terms of reference for the inquiry and also met the Caldwell family and other parties to discuss the inquiry’s remit. While these terms do not feature all of the issues raised with me during discussions, I am satisfied that they are both well focused and sufficiently flexible and broad enough to allow the chair to examine wider issues he may consider relevant to a robust, efficient and effective inquiry.”

Lord Scott said: “I welcome the publication of the terms of reference, which will allow the Inquiry to proceed with its important work. I was consulted on the terms of reference by Scottish ministers and I am satisfied that they will allow a thorough investigation of all the issues involved.”