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Jury in trial of man accused of Emma Caldwell murder deliberates for second day

Iain Packer, 51, denies the charges against him.

Lucinda Cameron
Monday 26 February 2024 11:03 EST
Emma Caldwell died in 2005 (Family handout/PA)
Emma Caldwell died in 2005 (Family handout/PA) (PA Archive)

The jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering Emma Caldwell almost 19 years ago has retired for a second day to consider its verdict.

Iain Packer, 51, is on trial accused of murdering Miss Caldwell, 27, who vanished in Glasgow on April 4, 2005, and whose body was found in Limefield Woods, near Roberton, South Lanarkshire, the following month.

At the High Court in Glasgow, he faces a total of 36 charges involving offences against 25 women, all of which he denies.

During the trial, jurors have heard evidence from witnesses whom Packer is alleged to have raped, assaulted, sexually and indecently assaulted, as well as police officers involved in the investigation and forensic experts.

Packer also gave evidence in his own defence.

Judge Lord Beckett has instructed jurors they should find Packer guilty of a charge of indecently assaulting Miss Caldwell after he admitted the offence while giving evidence.

He also directed the jury to convict Packer of a charge accusing him of abducting a woman, preventing her from leaving a house and detaining her against her will.

Following several hours of legal direction, judge Lord Beckett sent the jury out to consider its verdict on Friday morning.

After breaking for the weekend, it retired for a second day on Monday to continue its deliberations.

The court was adjourned at 4pm until 10am on Tuesday.

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