Police Scotland has apologised to Emma Caldwell's family for the lack of investigation into her murder until nearly a decade after the crime. 

We previously told how Iain Packer, 51, was convicted at Glasgow's High Court today of killing the 27-year-old and hiding her body in 2005. 

Glasgow Times: Emma Caldwell
Emma was last seen on CCTV around 11pm on Monday, April 4, 2005, walking alone on Butterbiggins Road in the Southside.

She was reported missing by her family days later and her body was found in Limefield Woods, near Biggar, on Sunday, May 8, 2005.

Bex Smith, Assistant Chief Constable for Major Crime and Public Protection, said: “Emma Caldwell, her family and many other victims, were let down by policing in 2005. For that we are sorry.  
 
“A significant number of women and girls who showed remarkable courage to speak up at that time also did not get the justice and support they needed and deserved from Strathclyde Police. 
 
“Police Scotland launched a re-investigation of the case in 2015 after instruction from the Lord Advocate.  
 
“It is clear that further investigations should have been carried out into Emma’s murder following the initial enquiry in 2005. 
 
“The lack of investigation until 2015 caused unnecessary distress to her family and all those women who had come forward to report sexual violence.  
 
“We have reflected and learnt from the initial investigation and subsequent re–investigation. 

"Significant changes have been made in recent years to improve our organisational culture and our response, particularly in respect of investigative structures, victim care and processes to these types of crimes. 
 
“It is the courage, resilience and determination shown by Emma’s family, in particular her parents William and Margaret, and all those who survived Iain Packer’s horrific catalogue of offending that got us to where we are today. 
 
“William is, sadly, no longer here to see this day, but I hope this verdict gives Margaret and all those affected by this case, the justice they deserve."

The top cop went on to say that the case has been, without a doubt, the largest of recent times in the country. 
 
Ms Smith added: “This was an extremely challenging re-investigation.
 
“Over seven years, a full review of the original enquiry by Strathclyde Police in 2005 was completed. 
 
“More than 30,000 documents and statements were gathered and reviewed along with in excess of 23,000 productions. New forensic tests were carried out and new witnesses were identified and interviewed, leading to the convictions today."

Packer was also convicted of 11 charges of rape against nine women and 21 other offences over a period of 26 years during the six-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
 
Ms Smith described Packer as a "calculating sexual predator who targeted women over many years".

She added: "It is hard to comprehend how anyone could carry out such despicable, ruthless acts. 
 
“He took Emma’s life for his own gratification in the most appalling circumstances and cruelly left her body in remote woods hoping to cover his tracks. 

“What shone through to the enquiry team throughout the investigations into Emma’s life was her gentle personality, and I want to finish by saying that our thoughts remain with Emma, her family and all those affected by this terrible case.”

Officers wished to remind anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence to come forward and talk to the force. 

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to please come forward and speak to us," Ms Smith added.
 
“You will be listened to and you will be supported – no matter when the offences took place."

For more information, click HERE.