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Our statement on the conclusion of the Emma Caldwell trial

The murder of Emma Caldwell was an appalling crime. Our thoughts are with Emma’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the survivors of the sexual crimes which were committed by this perpetrator. We would like to pay tribute to the courage they demonstrated in coming forward and giving evidence in the trial.

This deeply distressing case shows how serious the consequences of police failure to take every report of sexual violence seriously and respond robustly can be. Many women had made reports of rape and sexual assault carried out by Ian Packer to the police. There can be many barriers to reporting sexual violence to the police. Police Scotland has acknowledged that a significant number of women who did report sexual violence did not get the response they should have from the police and were badly let down by policing. This can never happen again.