Young Scottish mum was killed by ex-partner six weeks after he was given bail

A probe into the murder of Claire Inglis is being considered by The Crown Office.

Claire was murdered by her partner, after he was released on bail. Christopher McGowan, who had 39 previous convictions, strangled and battered Claire just six weeks after being freed.

The 28-year-old was killed at the Stirling flat she shared with her young son, reports the Daily Record. Since then, Claire's parents (Ian, 60, and Fiona, 63), have repeatedly asked for answers over the bail decision.

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Ian said: "As it approached the third death of Claire's anniversary, we would welcome any way to help us understand why our daughter died.

"We believe Claire's death could have been prevented and that system that should have been in place to protect her failed her. Lessons must be learned to ensure this never happens again."

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The Daily Record revealed McGowan, 29, who had a conviction for aggravated domestic assault against an ex-partner, was subject to five bail orders when he appeared in court over Claire’s death. He had been granted bail to her home three times.

It sparked a Sunday Mail campaign for laws to block violent offenders being bailed to the homes of vulnerable women. Fears were raised over McGowan staying at her home two months before the attack and social workers visited the address three days before the murder, but could not contact her.

In October last year, McGowan was ordered to serve at least 23 years for Claire’s murder. An FAI sets to determine the cause of death and to establish what lessons can be learned.

The Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The investigation into the wider circumstances of Claire Inglis’ death is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated.”

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Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said: “While this possible development seems like a step in the right direction, there is a risk that relying on Scotland’s broken FAI system could cause further delay. It remains scandalous that almost three years after Claire's murder, her grieving parents are still fighting to extract basic information about the exact details of these bail decisions.”

Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said "This is a heartbreaking case and it is essential that Claire Inglis' family get the answers they deserve. It is crucial that we understand how this tragedy occurred in order to ensure it never happens again and it is right that the Procurator Fiscal considers all options when investigating this.”