A tragic incident involving the murder of a young Scottish mother, Claire Inglis, by her ex-partner, Christopher McGowan, has left the community in shock. Claire was killed at the Stirling flat she shared with her young son, just six weeks after McGowan was released on bail. The Crown Office is now considering a probe into the circumstances surrounding Claire’s death.
McGowan, who had a history of 39 previous convictions, including aggravated domestic assault against an ex-partner, was subject to five bail orders at the time of Claire’s murder. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the system in place to protect vulnerable individuals from violent offenders. Claire’s parents, Ian and Fiona Inglis, have been vocal in their demand for answers regarding the bail decision, as they believe their daughter’s death could have been prevented.
In October last year, McGowan was sentenced to at least 23 years in prison for Claire’s murder. An FAI (Fatal Accident Inquiry) is set to take place to determine the cause of death and identify any lessons that can be learned from this tragic incident. However, there are concerns about potential delays in the investigation process, as the grieving family continues to seek clarity on the bail decisions made in this case.
Scottish political figures, including Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay and Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill, have expressed their support for the Inglis family in their quest for justice. They emphasize the importance of understanding the circumstances that led to Claire’s death to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the investigation into Claire Inglis’ death continues, her family remains hopeful that they will receive the answers they deserve. It is crucial for the authorities to thoroughly examine the bail system and ensure that necessary measures are in place to protect individuals at risk of domestic violence. The heartbreaking loss of Claire Inglis serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address issues of domestic violence and safeguard vulnerable individuals from harm.
