Mum of woman brutally murdered by violent ex says 'lessons must be learned' over her death
The mum of Claire Inglis said lessons must be learned from her brutal murder as she calls for an inquiry to give the family much-needed answers over her death.
Fiona and Ian Inglis this week met with First Minister John Swinney at Holyrood on the third anniversary of the 28-year-old’s brutal murder at the hands of her partner, evil Christopher McGowan - a repeat offender who had been bailed to her home.
Claire was attacked at her St Ninians flat by McGowan on November 28, 2021.
McGowan was jailed for a minimum 23 years for abusing and torturing her to death. During the attack, the brute battered and throttled Claire, before burning her face with a lighter and choking her with a wet wipe.
After the conviction, it was revealed McGowan had 39 different convictions for a string of offences including violence and aggravated domestic assault.
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Claire’s shattered family are continuing to question why McGowan was allowed to be bailed to her address, where she lived with her young son.
Mum Fiona said: “There are lessons to be learned. She was murdered at the hands of a habitual criminal who was bailed to her address after being removed from a previous household just weeks before as there were concerns raised that there was a child present in that household."
Social services had raised concerns over McGowan prior to the murder. They had also tried to visit the flat three days before the murder, but found nobody was there.
The Sudden Fatalities Investigation Unit of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and now reviewing the case before deciding if a Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay grilled Mr Swinney in Holyrood on Thursday on the issue, a short time before the First Minister briefly met with the Inglis’.
Following the meeting, Fiona said: “It was promising having a one-to-one with John Swinney. He has promised he will do all he can in his power.
“It’s probably the first time in three years that we have felt hopeful of getting answers.”
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It came three-years-to-the-day since Claire was killed. Fiona added: “It was emotional being back there today on the third anniversary of her death and as we explained, we only want answers.
“We are grateful Mr Swinney took the time out of his day to spend time with us and seemed to genuinely care and has told us he will do everything he can, so fingers crossed for a result.”
Stirling Council this week said that it remains committed to reviewing of the circumstances surrounding Claire’s death and has undertaken to conduct an independently chaired review process on terms acceptable to the Scottish Government.
A council spokesperson said: “Following a request for information from the Sudden Fatalities Investigation Unit of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the council has paused the independent review process. The council will await the outcome of the Procurator Fiscal’s investigation on whether a fatal accident inquiry will be held before deciding on further action. The council is cooperating fully with the Procurator Fiscal’s request.
“The public protection partners in the Stirling area will continue to fully co-operate with that investigation and will undertake any necessary learning review following the conclusion of that process.
“Our thoughts remain with Claire’s family.”