Iain Packer’s reign of terror is finally at an end after decades of hateful violence against women. The victim list was extensive, not least because he was given a free pass to keep committing crimes in years when he should have been behind bars.
Police have been accused of a “betrayal” of Emma and other women who were sexually violated and then not listened to by police. Top officers stand accused of “sabotaging” the investigation into Packer - so blinded were they by a badly flawed case against four Turkish men.
These accusations are fair. At the point, in 2007, when Iain Packer admitted taking Emma to a remote spot in a desolate woodland, he should have been the number one suspect.
Every ounce of police effort should have gone into making sure he was not free to kill and rape again. Packer should have been locked up in 2007 and charged with the killing, as well as other offences.
It has taken 17 years since then - and 19 since Emma’s death - to get justice. The former Strathclye Police force has been accused, time and again, of refusing to believe the word sex workers.
They have, on occasions, been the ones charged with offences instead of the attackers they have accused. Police Scotland claims that attitudes in the force have improved in recent years.
There is no doubt that the vast majority of current officers would be disgusted at the attitudes of their former colleagues. But given the severity of Packer’s crimes - and the consistently disgraceful conduct of some police officers - a full investigation is now required.
Emma’s mother’s poignant call for a judicial public inquiry should be heard - for the sake of all women.
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
It beggars belief that two sisters living just 88 miles apart in the same country should receive different care for the same condition.
But while one sister in the east of the country has had an operation to prevent the cancer which killed their mother, her sister in the west has been told there is a waiting list of at least 18 months.
Jo Thompson is being treated by NHS Lothian who pulled out all the stops to genetically test her and then carried out a double mastectomy and reconstruction.
Her sister Gill Gooding is being treated by NHS Glasgow who only tested after the intervention of NHS Lothian and faces a lengthy wait for surgery.
We know prevention is better than cure yet instead of acting now to treat Gill, she is facing an unknown future if she develops cancer. When Nye Bevan created an NHS free at the point of need, there were no dividing lines in his vision.
If health boards cannot be trusted to ensure there is equity across Scotland then it is time for change and the Scottish Government must enforce it.
This postcode lottery for cancer care must end.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here
Emma Caldwell cops must be investigated over botched investigation
5
0
29.02.2024
Iain Packer’s reign of terror is finally at an end after decades of hateful violence against women. The victim list was extensive, not least because he was given a free pass to keep committing crimes in years when he should have been behind bars.
Police have been accused of a “betrayal” of Emma and other women who were sexually violated and then not listened to by police. Top officers stand accused of “sabotaging” the investigation into Packer - so blinded were they by a badly flawed case against four Turkish men.
These accusations are fair. At the point, in 2007, when Iain Packer admitted taking Emma to a remote spot in a desolate woodland, he should have been the number one suspect.
Every ounce of police effort should have gone into making sure he was not free to kill and rape again. Packer should have been locked up in 2007 and charged with the killing, as well as other offences.
It has taken 17........
© Daily Record
visit website
login
who are we?
contact us
qosheapp
Toi Staff
Gideon Levy
Belen Fernandez
Andrew Mitrovica
Mort Laitner
Rami G Khouri
Ali Fathollah-Nejad
Nikkei Editorial
