Edinburgh, Scotland – The High Court in Edinburgh has found Christopher McGowan guilty of the murder of Claire Inglis, his former girlfriend. This tragic incident occurred just six weeks after he was released on bail to her address in Stirling, Scotland.
Claire Inglis’ heartbroken parents are now calling for an investigation into why McGowan was allowed to serve bail at her home, where he ultimately committed the brutal and senseless murder. They have sent a heartfelt letter to the top boss asking for a public inquiry, as reported by the Daily Record.
Ian and Fiona Inglis, Claire’s parents, are questioning the decision to grant bail to McGowan, expressing their belief that their daughter would still be alive if he had not been granted bail. They are also seeking answers as to who made the decision to grant him bail and why.
Following McGowan’s conviction, he has been sentenced to at least 23 years in prison for the cruel murder of Claire Inglis. The court heard how McGowan, a convicted domestic abuser, inflicted more than 76 injuries on his victim, leaving her with extensive injuries and bleeding inside her skull.
Dr. Marsha Scott, the Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, has expressed support for the Inglis family’s call for justice. She emphasized the need for the Scottish Government to respond to their questions and to implement changes in systems and processes around bail to better protect those affected by domestic abuse.
Amidst the calls for an investigation, Russell Findlay, who speaks for the Scottish Conservatives on justice matters, has criticized the response from the Scottish Government, stating that Claire’s parents deserve answers and that the government should instruct a review. In response to these criticisms, the Scottish Government has conveyed its sympathies to the Inglis family and emphasized that decisions on bail are made by independent courts based on the facts and circumstances of each case.
The tragic outcome of McGowan’s bail release has ignited concerns about the pre-existing protections for victims of domestic abuse, prompting calls for a review of the bail system and a revision of victim safety considerations within the law.
The devastating loss of Claire Inglis has sparked a powerful and urgent conversation about the need for improved measures to protect victims of domestic abuse and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.