Emma Caldwell detective fears she wasn’t sex offender’s only victim

LocalPolitics
13 Apr 2026 • 4:20 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A former detective involved in the initial investigation into Emma Caldwell's murder believes Iain Packer, who was convicted of her killing, likely committed further murders.
  • Iain Packer was convicted in 2024 of Ms Caldwell's 2005 murder and a series of sexual offences against other women, receiving a life sentence with a minimum of 36 years.
  • Retired detective constable Stuart Hall shared his insights on The Beware Book podcast, suggesting Packer's pattern of violence indicates more victims.
  • Police had questioned Packer shortly after Ms Caldwell's death, but a group of Turkish men were wrongly charged in 2007, with the case later collapsing.
  • A public inquiry, chaired by Lord Scott KC, is scheduled to examine the police investigation into Ms Caldwell's murder.

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