Scotland’s top law officer is being urged to fully release a “damning” report into the murder of a young mother who was tortured and killed by her boyfriend.
Christopher McGowan beat and strangled Claire Inglis, 28, at her flat in Stirling in November 2021.
The mother-of-one suffered 76 injuries in the fatal attack, which included being burned with a lighter and having a wet wipe pushed down her throat.
McGowan received a life sentence with a minimum of 23 years behind bars in October 2023.
Following the murder, which was described by judge Michael O’Grady as “beyond sadistic”, it was revealed that McGowan was a serial offender who had been bailed three times to Claire’s home in the months leading up to her death.
An independent expert report into the handling of the case noted that despite prior concerns, “no further action was taken by social services” – with the expert concluding that this amounted to a “major safeguarding lapse”.
The report found no one spoke to Claire about McGowan’s background or offered her support, adding that the “system as a whole” failed her.
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It said Claire and her son were “effectively invisible” to authorities.
Fiona and Ian Inglis, Claire’s parents, have only seen a summary of the document and are calling on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to release the report in full.
Ms Inglis said: “The Crown Office has not even given us the full report, but only a brief summary which does not answer critical questions about whether Claire’s murder might have been prevented.
“We believe that it could have been and that she should still be with us today.
“That is why we back the policy to ensure that all relevant information is shared between the police, social services and courts when making bail decisions.
“Doing so could prevent another family from suffering such a tragedy.”
The couple watched from the public gallery at Holyrood on Thursday as Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay highlighted their plight during First Minister’s Questions.
In response, John Swinney agreed to speak to Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain.
He said: “I will ask the Lord Advocate if there can be further dialogue with Mr and Mrs Inglis on the contents of the report to ensure that the issues about which they remain concerned can be properly and fully aired.”
The first minister, who has met the Inglis family previously, acknowledged there “may well be issues about data handling” that cause “constraints on the release of the full report”.
He added: “If the report can be released, I am very happy for that to be the case.”
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Mr Findlay branded the report “damning” as he backed the release of it in full.
The MSP for West Scotland supports the family’s call for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI).
He is also calling for a review of a “bail blindspot” in the law which he claims is “putting women and children in danger” as there is “no obligation to check the addresses where violent offenders are to be released on bail”.
Mr Swinney noted it is for the Lord Advocate to independently decide whether an FAI should be held.
And on the issue of bail, he highlighted recent legislation passed at the Scottish parliament which “would provide the type of protection that Mr Finlay is looking for, and it is already in statute”.
But the first minister added: “I appreciate that is of absolutely no comfort to Mr and Mrs Inglis in the loss that they have suffered.”
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After FMQs, Mr Findlay said: “Claire Inglis was a loving and happy young mum who was tortured and murdered by a man she had just begun a relationship with.
“The serial criminal who killed her had 40 criminal convictions and was a known danger to women and children, yet he was repeatedly bailed to the home Claire shared with her young son.
“Claire’s parents Fiona and Ian have spent four years fighting and indeed pleading for information.
“The way in which the Inglis family are being treated is disrespectful and cruel. The new expert report commissioned by the Crown Office is damning.
“Fiona and Ian have not been told the answer to critical questions because the Crown have only given them a brief summary.
“John Swinney should back the full release of this report and support the establishment of an FAI, so the Inglis family can finally get the answers they deserve.”
COPFS has been contacted for comment.
