A judge-led public inquiry into the Emma Caldwell murder inquiry is being “explored” the First Minister has said.

Humza Yousaf said it is “firmly on the table” to look at the “systemic failings” that allowed Iain Packer to be free to rape several women and murder Emma Caldwell.

Following the guilty verdict and sentencing on Ian Packer for Emma’s murder, her mother, Margaret, called for a public inquiry after it was known Packer was a suspect but was not charged until years later and then only after investigations by the Sunday Mail and BBC Scotland.

READ NEXT: Iain Packer found GUILTY of murdering Emma Caldwell in 2005

Douglas Ross, Scottish Conservative leader, asked Humza Yousaf at First Minister’s Questions if he would call an inquiry.

Ross said: “Evidence was deliberately ignored or suppressed” and added Emma’s family were “betrayed”.

He added: “Why did it take so long to charge Iain Packer and why was he allowed to be free to attack multiple women?”

The First Minister said: “For the many women who have been failed by the justice system, it's important they get the answers to the questions they have.”

He said would meet with Margaret Caldwell “urgently” adding “Justice was far too late”.

He said: “There were some serious failings, of that there is no doubt”.

Yousaf added:” I was wanting to hear from Magaret Caldwell and examine the case in more detail.”

He said: “ A judge-led inquiry is something we are exploring.”

Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, said there were “many troubling issues, misogyny and prejudice”.

He said there were “institutions fighting for their reputation rather than seeking to find the truth” adding “journalists have investigated leads the police had ignored.”

Iain Packer was jailed for life for the murder of Emma Caldwell in 2005. 

He was also convicted of raping 11 women among 32 of other charges, following a six-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow.