Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jury in trial of man accused of Emma Caldwell murder continues deliberations

Iain Packer, 51, denies all the charges against him.

Lucinda Cameron
Wednesday 28 February 2024 05:14 EST
Emma Caldwell died in 2005 (family handout/PA)
Emma Caldwell died in 2005 (family handout/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Head shot of Andrew Feinberg

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

The jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering Emma Caldwell almost 19 years ago has retired for a fourth 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, Lord Beckett sent the jury out to consider its verdict on Friday morning.

After breaking for the weekend, it continued deliberating on Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning it retired for a fourth day to continue doing so.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in