First Minister John Swinney has revealed rules have been changed after Claire Inglis, 28, was killed by Christopher McGowan.
The thug had 39 previous convictions, including one for a serious attack on an ex, but was allowed by a court to live at Claire’s home in Stirling.
Weeks later she was dead, leading the mum-of-one’s parents to fight for tougher bail restrictions in a campaign backed by the Sunday Mail.
Swinney has now admitted tougher assessments on granting bail will be carried out by social workers after the shocking case. He said: “The national justice social work practice guidance has been updated since this case.”
Claire’s mum Fiona, 63, from Stirling, said: “We welcome any change that will help protect women like Claire. It feels like something has been learned from Claire’s death.
“We just don’t want another family to go through this. It’s unbelievable that he ever bailed him to her address.
“She was vulnerable, she was just looking for love. She failed, she was let down. This can’t happen again.”
Swinney’s comments were made in a letter to Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, who had raised the issue on the third
anniversary of Claire’s November 2021 murder.
Findlay said: “Following Claire’s tragic murder, any improvements to the system that might protect others are welcome.” Claire was battered and strangled by McGowan, 29. He’ll serve at least 23 years for her murder.
Before her death, he had been granted bail to her home three times. Fears were raised over him staying there two months before the attack, while social workers visited three days before the murder but could not contact her.
The Crown Office is looking at a fatal accident inquiry.
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