Emma Caldwell’s killer Iain Packer loses bid to cut sentence

The case was one of Scotland’s most high-profile unsolved murders until a BBC Scotland investigation helped pave the way for Packer’s arrest.

In February this year he was found guilty of Emma’s murder and 32 other charges, including 11 rapes and multiple sexual assaults against a total of 22 women.

Police apologised for how the original inquiry was handled and admitted that Emma, her family and many other victims were let down.

An independent public inquiry into the police handling of the murder investigation has been ordered by the Scottish government.

At the Court of Criminal Appeal, lawyers for Packer, who appeared via video link from prison, argued that the 36-year term was excessive.

Defence advocate Gordon Jackson KC said: “I ask if it is acceptable in a civilised society that we say to a man in his 50s that he will not be released – regardless of what happens – until he is in his 80s?

“I say it it is not. I say that in a civilised society that is we should not be doing that.”

The appeal court judges – Lady Dorrian, Lord Matthews and Lady Wise – conferred in a huddle then returned to their seats and told Packer that the appeal was being refused.

Lady Dorrian said she and her colleagues would issue a written judgement explaining their decision in the near future.