1 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,920 (TENSE MUSIC) 2 00:00:13,840 --> 00:00:16,000 In the early hours of a cold autumn morning in 2021, 3 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:18,720 In the early hours of a cold autumn morning in 2021, 4 00:00:18,760 --> 00:00:24,000 the neighbours of young mother Claire Inglis were awoken by her boyfriend. 5 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:24,520 the neighbours of young mother Claire Inglis were awoken by her boyfriend. 6 00:00:25,840 --> 00:00:28,200 He was shouting, saying, "She's fallen down the stairs, 7 00:00:28,240 --> 00:00:31,240 "she's fallen down the stairs. Help me. I need help." 8 00:00:31,280 --> 00:00:32,000 The good Samaritans found Claire almost lifeless in her home. 9 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:35,520 The good Samaritans found Claire almost lifeless in her home. 10 00:00:35,560 --> 00:00:37,320 The neighbours rush in 11 00:00:37,360 --> 00:00:40,000 and they find Claire's partially clothed body in the bedroom. 12 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:42,760 and they find Claire's partially clothed body in the bedroom. 13 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:45,720 She's obviously incredibly injured. 14 00:00:45,760 --> 00:00:48,000 Claire's parents were also woken that morning, 15 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:48,840 Claire's parents were also woken that morning, 16 00:00:48,880 --> 00:00:51,520 to learn of an unfolding nightmare. 17 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:54,720 I shouted at the first policeman I seen at the top of the stairs, 18 00:00:54,760 --> 00:00:56,000 is she alive? He said, "She was five minutes ago." 19 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:58,320 is she alive? He said, "She was five minutes ago." 20 00:00:58,360 --> 00:01:01,280 Claire's boyfriend was 26-year-old Christopher McGowan. 21 00:01:01,320 --> 00:01:04,000 And his version of events just didn't add up. 22 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:05,080 And his version of events just didn't add up. 23 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:09,280 Falling down the stairs does not result in all of your injuries 24 00:01:09,320 --> 00:01:12,000 being concentrated on your skull. 25 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:12,200 being concentrated on your skull. 26 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:14,560 It doesn't result in signs of strangulation. 27 00:01:14,600 --> 00:01:17,400 Christopher McGowan was lying, 28 00:01:17,440 --> 00:01:20,000 and he would eventually be exposed as one of Britain's most evil killers. 29 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:22,280 and he would eventually be exposed as one of Britain's most evil killers. 30 00:01:22,320 --> 00:01:25,120 (DRAMATIC THEME MUSIC) 31 00:01:47,200 --> 00:01:51,800 Despite a notorious and well-known history of criminality, 32 00:01:51,840 --> 00:01:52,000 in November 2021, 33 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:54,320 in November 2021, 34 00:01:54,360 --> 00:01:57,240 Christopher McGowan was released from prison 35 00:01:57,280 --> 00:01:59,280 and placed in the home of his girlfriend, 36 00:01:59,320 --> 00:02:00,000 28-year-old Claire Inglis. 37 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:02,200 28-year-old Claire Inglis. 38 00:02:03,080 --> 00:02:05,920 She lives in her own, she's vulnerable. She has a young child. 39 00:02:05,960 --> 00:02:08,000 McGowan was known to be taking drink and drugs. 40 00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:09,760 McGowan was known to be taking drink and drugs. 41 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:12,720 He's got convictions for domestic violence. 42 00:02:13,640 --> 00:02:16,000 Twenty-six-year-old McGowan had convinced a Scottish court 43 00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:17,800 Twenty-six-year-old McGowan had convinced a Scottish court 44 00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:21,440 that the relationship would help him change for the better. 45 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:24,000 I'm absolutely astonished 46 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:25,480 I'm absolutely astonished 47 00:02:25,520 --> 00:02:29,960 that this man was bailed to this young woman's address. 48 00:02:31,280 --> 00:02:32,000 They'd only been in a relationship for a number of weeks, 49 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:36,160 They'd only been in a relationship for a number of weeks, 50 00:02:36,200 --> 00:02:40,000 and this has got domestic abuse written all over it. 51 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:40,080 and this has got domestic abuse written all over it. 52 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:44,480 In the aftermath of her murder, 53 00:02:44,520 --> 00:02:48,000 Claire's family were left wondering why a violent thug 54 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:48,160 Claire's family were left wondering why a violent thug 55 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,120 was bailed to their daughter's home. 56 00:02:51,160 --> 00:02:53,200 It's just a horrible thought to think, you know, 57 00:02:53,240 --> 00:02:55,960 if things had maybe been done right, she would still be here. 58 00:02:56,000 --> 00:02:58,880 And that's hard to accept. We just don't want 59 00:02:58,920 --> 00:03:02,040 another family going through even an ounce of what we've gone through. 60 00:03:07,880 --> 00:03:10,240 (BIRDS CHIRPING) 61 00:03:12,720 --> 00:03:16,680 This killer's story begins in the small city of Stirling 62 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:19,120 in central Scotland. 63 00:03:19,160 --> 00:03:20,000 Christopher McGowan was born on the 18th of May, 1995. 64 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:24,640 Christopher McGowan was born on the 18th of May, 1995. 65 00:03:24,680 --> 00:03:27,280 I don't think he was maybe given the best chance in life. 66 00:03:28,200 --> 00:03:30,600 He started offending really young. 67 00:03:30,640 --> 00:03:34,160 He had his first conviction at age 14. 68 00:03:34,200 --> 00:03:36,000 And he would commit any kind of crime. 69 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:36,720 And he would commit any kind of crime. 70 00:03:36,760 --> 00:03:40,680 Somebody who you might describe as absolutely lawless. 71 00:03:41,920 --> 00:03:44,000 There are three assaults. 72 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:44,280 There are three assaults. 73 00:03:44,320 --> 00:03:46,640 one incident of carrying a knife, 74 00:03:46,680 --> 00:03:50,560 one incident of dealing heroin. 75 00:03:50,600 --> 00:03:52,000 There is also a conviction, 76 00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:53,240 There is also a conviction, 77 00:03:53,280 --> 00:03:55,960 which is a breach of the peace with a domestic aggravation, 78 00:03:56,000 --> 00:04:00,000 so quite a lengthy and varied criminal history. 79 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:00,040 so quite a lengthy and varied criminal history. 80 00:04:06,280 --> 00:04:08,000 In 2011, 81 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:08,080 In 2011, 82 00:04:08,120 --> 00:04:12,920 16-year-old McGowan started dating a 14-year-old girl. 83 00:04:12,960 --> 00:04:15,840 They would eventually move in together. 84 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:20,760 But it was a far from a happy home. 85 00:04:20,800 --> 00:04:24,000 McGowan's girlfriend twice reported him to the police for assault. 86 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:25,760 McGowan's girlfriend twice reported him to the police for assault. 87 00:04:25,800 --> 00:04:28,640 McGowan had quite a few convictions, 88 00:04:28,680 --> 00:04:31,440 one of which was a domestic, assault on his girlfriend. 89 00:04:31,480 --> 00:04:32,000 And we also know that an allegation had been made 90 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:33,880 And we also know that an allegation had been made 91 00:04:33,920 --> 00:04:37,240 that he had actually kicked his girlfriend on another occasion. 92 00:04:37,280 --> 00:04:39,720 The police decided that there was insufficient evidence 93 00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:40,000 at that time for him to be charged. 94 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:42,280 at that time for him to be charged. 95 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:46,160 Despite all this, the couple had a child together, 96 00:04:46,200 --> 00:04:48,000 but fatherhood did nothing to stop McGowan's destructive behaviour. 97 00:04:48,000 --> 00:04:51,000 but fatherhood did nothing to stop McGowan's destructive behaviour. 98 00:04:52,120 --> 00:04:56,000 So, McGowan is misusing Valium, 99 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:56,040 So, McGowan is misusing Valium, 100 00:04:56,080 --> 00:04:58,960 misusing alcohol, drinking excessive amounts. 101 00:05:00,840 --> 00:05:03,120 McGowan's unstable behaviour 102 00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:04,000 led to him receiving 39 convictions 103 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:07,360 led to him receiving 39 convictions 104 00:05:07,400 --> 00:05:10,080 for a wide range of offences. 105 00:05:12,080 --> 00:05:15,120 We have domestic assaults, robbery, 106 00:05:15,160 --> 00:05:17,880 attacking strangers for money 107 00:05:17,920 --> 00:05:20,000 but also attacking a police officer with a knife. 108 00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:23,120 but also attacking a police officer with a knife. 109 00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:26,720 So, this guy does not care. 110 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:28,000 He uses violence like his first language. 111 00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:31,280 He uses violence like his first language. 112 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:36,000 He was known locally as Kicky McGowan. That was his nickname. 113 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:36,720 He was known locally as Kicky McGowan. That was his nickname. 114 00:05:36,760 --> 00:05:40,840 He had a reputation in the town as someone who would... 115 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:43,040 cause bother, cause disruption. 116 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:52,000 Just a few streets away from Christopher McGowan 117 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:52,920 Just a few streets away from Christopher McGowan 118 00:05:52,960 --> 00:05:57,280 lived Claire Inglis, who was also born and bred in Stirling. 119 00:05:58,560 --> 00:06:00,000 She was just such a good toddler. 120 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:02,400 She was just such a good toddler. 121 00:06:02,440 --> 00:06:04,760 She was a girly girl. 122 00:06:04,800 --> 00:06:07,120 She was always singing, dancing, 123 00:06:07,160 --> 00:06:08,000 just loved her gran and granddad. 124 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:09,840 just loved her gran and granddad. 125 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:14,920 And then Emma came along, and she was just a brilliant wee sister. 126 00:06:14,960 --> 00:06:16,000 She just loved her. 127 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:16,920 She just loved her. 128 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:24,000 From everyone that I've spoke to during my time covering this case, 129 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:24,680 From everyone that I've spoke to during my time covering this case, 130 00:06:24,720 --> 00:06:29,080 they've all described Claire as fun and bubbly. 131 00:06:29,120 --> 00:06:32,000 They said, she didn't have a bad bone in her body. 132 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:32,920 They said, she didn't have a bad bone in her body. 133 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:35,000 She would do anything for anyone. 134 00:06:36,200 --> 00:06:39,560 She went off to study childminding at university. 135 00:06:39,600 --> 00:06:40,000 To all intents and purposes, 136 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:41,920 To all intents and purposes, 137 00:06:41,960 --> 00:06:43,680 a wonderful young woman. 138 00:06:48,920 --> 00:06:52,080 Claire had been in a loving relationship, 139 00:06:52,120 --> 00:06:54,640 and in 2014, when she was 20, 140 00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:56,000 she'd given birth to a baby son. 141 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:57,160 she'd given birth to a baby son. 142 00:06:57,200 --> 00:07:01,240 Claire's life was basically for Robbie when Robbie arrived. 143 00:07:01,280 --> 00:07:03,640 Oh, aye. It was the making of her, it really was. 144 00:07:03,680 --> 00:07:04,000 And everybody you speak to in Stirling, she had him immaculate. 145 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:06,920 And everybody you speak to in Stirling, she had him immaculate. 146 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:09,680 Her whole life was mapped around Robbie. 147 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:12,000 But in 2017, 148 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:12,640 But in 2017, 149 00:07:12,680 --> 00:07:15,000 tragedy struck the young family. 150 00:07:16,200 --> 00:07:18,360 When Claire's son was quite small, 151 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:20,000 his dad passed away in some kind of road traffic accident. 152 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:21,880 his dad passed away in some kind of road traffic accident. 153 00:07:25,600 --> 00:07:27,960 Claire and Robbie were left alone 154 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:30,760 and had to make a new life for themselves, 155 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:32,680 with help from Claire's parents. 156 00:07:33,880 --> 00:07:35,880 Basically was the three of us. 157 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:36,000 I was like her best friend. 158 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:38,960 I was like her best friend. 159 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:43,040 So she'd be down for her tea maybe Tuesday, Thursday, 160 00:07:43,080 --> 00:07:44,000 then Ian would come in on Friday. 161 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:44,800 then Ian would come in on Friday. 162 00:07:44,840 --> 00:07:47,000 I would get him sorted for the weekend. I'd go up there 163 00:07:47,040 --> 00:07:49,520 and come back down on Sunday night. 164 00:07:50,480 --> 00:07:52,000 She'd be going to her bed, and I'd be, 165 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:52,240 She'd be going to her bed, and I'd be, 166 00:07:52,280 --> 00:07:54,200 "Right, I'm my away down the road." 167 00:07:56,520 --> 00:07:59,880 Claire also had the support of her friends, 168 00:07:59,920 --> 00:08:00,000 one of whom had just had a second child with HER partner... 169 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:03,840 one of whom had just had a second child with HER partner... 170 00:08:05,200 --> 00:08:07,680 ..Christopher McGowan. 171 00:08:07,720 --> 00:08:08,000 She went, "They've had a wee baby, and I've got a parcel coming 172 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:10,960 She went, "They've had a wee baby, and I've got a parcel coming 173 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:12,720 "and I'm gonna go over..." 174 00:08:12,760 --> 00:08:16,000 This beautiful wee suit came, the wee sleep suit, 175 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:16,280 This beautiful wee suit came, the wee sleep suit, 176 00:08:16,320 --> 00:08:19,200 the beautiful bag and the card. And away she went. 177 00:08:19,240 --> 00:08:21,240 So, she came back and she went, 178 00:08:21,280 --> 00:08:23,440 "Oh, she says, I don't know why she's with him. 179 00:08:23,480 --> 00:08:24,000 "He's so bad to her. She could do a lot better." 180 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:26,280 "He's so bad to her. She could do a lot better." 181 00:08:26,320 --> 00:08:28,080 So, that was the very first of him 182 00:08:28,120 --> 00:08:30,600 ever getting mentioned in Claire's life. 183 00:08:31,720 --> 00:08:32,000 Despite his growing family, 184 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:33,840 Despite his growing family, 185 00:08:33,880 --> 00:08:37,720 McGowan's run ins with the law were far from over. 186 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:40,000 In 2019, he was in trouble yet again. 187 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:43,360 In 2019, he was in trouble yet again. 188 00:08:45,680 --> 00:08:48,000 McGowan is involved in a dangerous driving incident 189 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:49,400 McGowan is involved in a dangerous driving incident 190 00:08:49,440 --> 00:08:51,560 where police are chasing him. 191 00:08:53,360 --> 00:08:56,000 McGowan was charged and bailed. 192 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:56,400 McGowan was charged and bailed. 193 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:58,280 Early in 2020, 194 00:08:58,320 --> 00:09:01,920 he was arrested for a violent, unprovoked attack. 195 00:09:01,960 --> 00:09:04,000 He had assaulted and beat up a man and stole his wallet. 196 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:06,280 He had assaulted and beat up a man and stole his wallet. 197 00:09:07,200 --> 00:09:09,440 Once again, McGowan was bailed. 198 00:09:10,600 --> 00:09:12,000 By August 2021, 199 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:12,840 By August 2021, 200 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:16,840 McGowan's relationship with his former partner was over, 201 00:09:16,880 --> 00:09:19,960 and he had his eye on someone new. 202 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:24,960 Claire encounters Christopher McGowan in the street in Stirling 203 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:28,000 in Scotland, where they live, and he yells at her across the street. 204 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:28,600 in Scotland, where they live, and he yells at her across the street. 205 00:09:29,560 --> 00:09:34,240 She went, "I was coming up the road with Robbie from the school, 206 00:09:34,280 --> 00:09:36,000 "and Christopher McGowan shouted on me." 207 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:36,960 "and Christopher McGowan shouted on me." 208 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:40,040 McGowan had been involved in an incident 209 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:43,080 that had resulted in him being injured. 210 00:09:43,120 --> 00:09:44,000 She says, "Oh, he's done something to his leg. 211 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:46,040 She says, "Oh, he's done something to his leg. 212 00:09:46,080 --> 00:09:47,920 So, he had this leg all strapped up, 213 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:50,720 and she says, "I was just mortified in front of Robbie. 214 00:09:50,760 --> 00:09:52,000 "I couldn't wait to get away from him. He's just a bad one. 215 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:54,320 "I couldn't wait to get away from him. He's just a bad one. 216 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:58,480 And that's because she was familiar with who he was 217 00:09:58,520 --> 00:10:00,000 and some of the things that he'd done. 218 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:00,440 and some of the things that he'd done. 219 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:08,000 Claire and her mum spoke almost every day. 220 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:08,120 Claire and her mum spoke almost every day. 221 00:10:09,200 --> 00:10:13,440 And soon Fiona received a phone call that she would never forget. 222 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:16,000 She went, "I've actually got something to tell you, 223 00:10:16,000 --> 00:10:16,920 She went, "I've actually got something to tell you, 224 00:10:16,960 --> 00:10:19,840 I'm in a relationship now. So I'm saying, "Who?" 225 00:10:19,880 --> 00:10:22,200 And she went, "Er, Christopher McGowan." 226 00:10:22,240 --> 00:10:24,000 And I went, "Kicky McGowan?" And she went, "Yeah." 227 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:25,240 And I went, "Kicky McGowan?" And she went, "Yeah." 228 00:10:25,280 --> 00:10:27,040 And I went, "Oh, be quiet." 229 00:10:27,080 --> 00:10:31,120 The way Claire was, she had a wicked sense of humour. We both did. 230 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:32,000 And then she went, "Mum, I'm serious. 231 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:32,920 And then she went, "Mum, I'm serious. 232 00:10:32,960 --> 00:10:35,320 "I swear on Robbie's life, I'm in a relationship." 233 00:10:35,360 --> 00:10:38,800 And Ian just said, "That's it, then. That's it. Just hang up the phone. 234 00:10:38,840 --> 00:10:40,000 "If that's who she wants as a father figure for Robbie, that's it." 235 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:43,400 "If that's who she wants as a father figure for Robbie, that's it." 236 00:10:47,720 --> 00:10:48,000 Claire's parents were horrified their daughter was dating a man 237 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:52,720 Claire's parents were horrified their daughter was dating a man 238 00:10:52,760 --> 00:10:55,160 with such a violent criminal history. 239 00:10:56,840 --> 00:11:00,280 It was just devastating. Absolutely devastating. 240 00:11:01,520 --> 00:11:04,000 She couldn't understand how that happened so quickly, 241 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:05,360 She couldn't understand how that happened so quickly, 242 00:11:05,400 --> 00:11:09,960 but I think that McGowan had spotted Claire. 243 00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:11,720 Targeted Claire. 244 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:17,200 She was not the type that you'd have thought that would've wanted 245 00:11:17,240 --> 00:11:20,000 to have been in a relationship with McGowan. They were chalk and cheese. 246 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:20,400 to have been in a relationship with McGowan. They were chalk and cheese. 247 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:25,960 Fiona and Ian's concerns were valid, 248 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:28,000 but they had no idea the relationship would have such a tragic outcome. 249 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:31,480 but they had no idea the relationship would have such a tragic outcome. 250 00:11:31,520 --> 00:11:33,320 In just a few months, 251 00:11:33,360 --> 00:11:36,000 Claire Inglis would be lying on the floor of her own home 252 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:37,040 Claire Inglis would be lying on the floor of her own home 253 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:39,680 fighting for her life 254 00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:51,120 By the late summer of 2021, 255 00:11:51,160 --> 00:11:52,000 28-year-old Claire Inglis had begun a relationship 256 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:55,160 28-year-old Claire Inglis had begun a relationship 257 00:11:55,200 --> 00:12:00,000 with serial offender Christopher McGowan in Stirling, Scotland. 258 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:00,360 with serial offender Christopher McGowan in Stirling, Scotland. 259 00:12:03,760 --> 00:12:05,720 In early September, 260 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:08,000 he was recalled to jail for breaching his bail conditions. 261 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:10,080 he was recalled to jail for breaching his bail conditions. 262 00:12:10,120 --> 00:12:14,560 Despite this, Claire remained loyal to her new partner. 263 00:12:21,520 --> 00:12:24,000 Claire's devotion to Christopher McGowan was so great 264 00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:25,040 Claire's devotion to Christopher McGowan was so great 265 00:12:25,080 --> 00:12:27,440 that she visited him in jail. 266 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:31,480 On the 19th of September, 267 00:12:31,520 --> 00:12:32,000 26-year-old McGowan was back in court 268 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:34,760 26-year-old McGowan was back in court 269 00:12:34,800 --> 00:12:39,360 and pled guilty to a 2019 dangerous driving charge, 270 00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:40,000 as well as breach of bail conditions. 271 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:42,280 as well as breach of bail conditions. 272 00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:45,280 With sentencing deferred for a month, 273 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:48,000 McGowan used Claire as an excuse to get himself released from jail. 274 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:50,800 McGowan used Claire as an excuse to get himself released from jail. 275 00:12:54,120 --> 00:12:56,000 He's got this relationship, very new relationship, with Claire. 276 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:58,600 He's got this relationship, very new relationship, with Claire. 277 00:12:58,640 --> 00:13:01,600 But he's already using that, 278 00:13:01,640 --> 00:13:04,000 leveraging that, to say, "Look, I've got somewhere to go." 279 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:06,120 leveraging that, to say, "Look, I've got somewhere to go." 280 00:13:06,160 --> 00:13:10,160 She had a huge heart. And I think she thought she could change him. 281 00:13:10,200 --> 00:13:12,000 "I'll bring him in, he's homeless. 282 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:12,320 "I'll bring him in, he's homeless. 283 00:13:12,360 --> 00:13:15,400 "I'll make him part my wee family." She was just looking for love. 284 00:13:15,440 --> 00:13:20,000 McGowan's lawyer told the court he was motivated to reduce his drinking 285 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:20,760 McGowan's lawyer told the court he was motivated to reduce his drinking 286 00:13:20,800 --> 00:13:23,080 and drug taking. 287 00:13:23,120 --> 00:13:27,400 They said that McGowan was likely to become a reformed character, 288 00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:28,000 not wanting to take drugs 289 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:29,680 not wanting to take drugs 290 00:13:29,720 --> 00:13:33,000 and Valium because he was in a stable relationship with Claire. 291 00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:36,000 But the reality of things is, they don't normally work like that. 292 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:37,080 But the reality of things is, they don't normally work like that. 293 00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:43,200 Everything that he's done since he was 14 till he is 28, 14 years, 294 00:13:43,240 --> 00:13:44,000 is she really going to be the person that we can say 295 00:13:44,000 --> 00:13:45,880 is she really going to be the person that we can say 296 00:13:45,920 --> 00:13:49,400 is going to change his character, the way he lived his life? 297 00:13:49,440 --> 00:13:51,160 Highly unlikely. 298 00:13:52,200 --> 00:13:56,280 No arguments were put forward to oppose his release, 299 00:13:56,320 --> 00:13:59,120 and McGowan was bailed to Claire's address. 300 00:13:59,160 --> 00:14:00,000 The couple had been in a relationship for barely a month. 301 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:03,880 The couple had been in a relationship for barely a month. 302 00:14:06,640 --> 00:14:08,000 What on earth were they thinking when they bailed him to that address 303 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:11,360 What on earth were they thinking when they bailed him to that address 304 00:14:11,400 --> 00:14:15,160 with a young vulnerable mum with a young child? 305 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:16,000 This seasoned career criminal with a violent past. 306 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:20,320 This seasoned career criminal with a violent past. 307 00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:22,960 She may not have known it, 308 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:24,000 but Claire was sharing her home with a ticking time bomb. 309 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:26,800 but Claire was sharing her home with a ticking time bomb. 310 00:14:28,080 --> 00:14:32,000 Christopher McGowan was a violent man trying to kick a drug habit. 311 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:33,120 Christopher McGowan was a violent man trying to kick a drug habit. 312 00:14:33,160 --> 00:14:37,040 When a person who is dependent on two substances 313 00:14:37,080 --> 00:14:40,000 promises to stay away from these substances, 314 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:40,280 promises to stay away from these substances, 315 00:14:40,320 --> 00:14:44,000 the body would've gone into a severe withdrawal syndrome. 316 00:14:44,040 --> 00:14:47,360 He would've experienced agitation, 317 00:14:47,400 --> 00:14:48,000 anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia. 318 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:50,560 anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia. 319 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:53,000 Nobody around him would be safe. 320 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:56,000 There were growing signs that Claire had entered a toxic partnership. 321 00:14:56,000 --> 00:15:01,040 There were growing signs that Claire had entered a toxic partnership. 322 00:15:01,080 --> 00:15:04,000 The relationship with McGowan and Claire started way too quickly. 323 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:04,840 The relationship with McGowan and Claire started way too quickly. 324 00:15:04,880 --> 00:15:09,360 And this is a key predictor of coercive control. 325 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:12,000 Her friends also around this time that whenever she was with him, 326 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:13,320 Her friends also around this time that whenever she was with him, 327 00:15:13,360 --> 00:15:15,160 she changed, 328 00:15:15,200 --> 00:15:18,320 she was quieter, she was more withdrawn, 329 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:20,000 she was less bubbly. 330 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:20,160 she was less bubbly. 331 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:23,640 She is buying him presents she can't afford. 332 00:15:23,680 --> 00:15:27,320 She's running up debts that she also can't afford. 333 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:28,000 Anything to keep him happy. 334 00:15:28,000 --> 00:15:29,840 Anything to keep him happy. 335 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:34,400 There were occasions when she would message her mum and ask for money. 336 00:15:34,440 --> 00:15:36,000 And the thing that her mother found strange 337 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:36,680 And the thing that her mother found strange 338 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:39,160 was the nature of the language used. 339 00:15:40,600 --> 00:15:42,320 When Fiona would text her, 340 00:15:42,360 --> 00:15:44,000 it would be McGowan texting back cos he couldn't spell. 341 00:15:44,000 --> 00:15:46,000 it would be McGowan texting back cos he couldn't spell. 342 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:49,720 And Fiona would go, "That's not Claire texting me back." 343 00:15:49,760 --> 00:15:52,000 McGowan had gone in there like a vulture, 344 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:52,840 McGowan had gone in there like a vulture, 345 00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:56,680 asset stripping absolutely everything that Claire had. 346 00:15:56,720 --> 00:15:59,080 She was trapped at this point. 347 00:15:59,120 --> 00:16:00,000 She can't throw him out now. 348 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:01,040 She can't throw him out now. 349 00:16:01,080 --> 00:16:03,920 And that's what he would've been looking for all along. 350 00:16:06,360 --> 00:16:08,000 Fiona's anxieties escalated 351 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:09,200 Fiona's anxieties escalated 352 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:12,400 when she picked Robbie up from his boxing class. 353 00:16:12,440 --> 00:16:16,000 Claire had also kept her son looking smart. 354 00:16:16,000 --> 00:16:16,760 Claire had also kept her son looking smart. 355 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:19,360 He had a wee vest top on. 356 00:16:19,400 --> 00:16:22,320 He had a pair of joggers, that were filthy, 357 00:16:22,360 --> 00:16:24,000 and a pair of welly boots. A pair of Wellington boots. 358 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:25,840 and a pair of welly boots. A pair of Wellington boots. 359 00:16:25,880 --> 00:16:28,840 And I said, "Where...? Where...? Where's all your gym stuff? 360 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:31,440 "Where...? Nana's taking your boxing? 361 00:16:31,480 --> 00:16:32,000 He says, "Er, Mummy says they're all in the wash." 362 00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:34,080 He says, "Er, Mummy says they're all in the wash." 363 00:16:34,120 --> 00:16:38,200 Fiona pretended that the class had been cancelled. 364 00:16:38,240 --> 00:16:40,000 There's no way on this earth that I was taking him down to the boxing 365 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:42,360 There's no way on this earth that I was taking him down to the boxing 366 00:16:42,400 --> 00:16:45,960 dressed the way he was, absolutely appalling, 367 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:48,000 absolutely appalling. I coulda gret. 368 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:48,560 absolutely appalling. I coulda gret. 369 00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:52,400 This wasn't the only time Fiona noticed a decline 370 00:16:52,440 --> 00:16:55,000 in how Claire cared for Robbie. 371 00:16:55,040 --> 00:16:56,000 Anytime he was coming down to us, 372 00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:57,120 Anytime he was coming down to us, 373 00:16:57,160 --> 00:16:59,920 she would always have his bag, and everything was all ironed 374 00:16:59,960 --> 00:17:03,040 and smelling lovely. And his wee teddy bear and everything. 375 00:17:03,080 --> 00:17:04,000 McGowan moved in. It was a carrier bag, 376 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:05,640 McGowan moved in. It was a carrier bag, 377 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:08,200 and the stuff was stinking of smoke. 378 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:12,000 What you want to do as a parent in this situation 379 00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:13,120 What you want to do as a parent in this situation 380 00:17:13,160 --> 00:17:16,680 is to get on your white horse, be a hero, 381 00:17:16,720 --> 00:17:19,760 run in, rescue the daughter 382 00:17:19,800 --> 00:17:20,000 and take them home with you. 383 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:21,760 and take them home with you. 384 00:17:21,800 --> 00:17:25,560 The parents are left in a position where they've actually got to be 385 00:17:25,600 --> 00:17:28,000 using covert tactics 386 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:28,240 using covert tactics 387 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:30,320 and playing the long game. 388 00:17:30,360 --> 00:17:34,240 And we really thought us drawing back from Claire 389 00:17:34,280 --> 00:17:36,000 would've been enough for her to think, "Oh, this is bad." 390 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:38,200 would've been enough for her to think, "Oh, this is bad." 391 00:17:38,240 --> 00:17:40,880 And we really did think we'd get through her that way. 392 00:17:40,920 --> 00:17:44,000 But Claire became even more committed to her relationship. 393 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:46,360 But Claire became even more committed to her relationship. 394 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:49,680 By the beginning of October 2021, 395 00:17:49,720 --> 00:17:52,000 Claire announced on Facebook she was in a relationship, 396 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:52,160 Claire announced on Facebook she was in a relationship, 397 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:54,040 and it was with Christopher McGowan. 398 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:59,120 McGowan, on bail at Claire's flat, 399 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:00,000 received his sentence for the high-speed police chase. 400 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:03,320 received his sentence for the high-speed police chase. 401 00:18:05,720 --> 00:18:07,960 He receives a community payback order 402 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:12,280 and a curfew that he should remain indoors between 9pm and 7am. 403 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:14,200 And we know that on the 25th, 404 00:18:14,240 --> 00:18:16,000 social services actually attended the address 405 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:16,760 social services actually attended the address 406 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:18,800 to carry out their inquiries. 407 00:18:18,840 --> 00:18:22,760 We don't know if that visit was to speak to Claire 408 00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:24,000 or to speak to Christopher McGowan, 409 00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:25,320 or to speak to Christopher McGowan, 410 00:18:25,360 --> 00:18:30,160 but they were acting on concerns that had been raised to them. 411 00:18:33,040 --> 00:18:35,000 There was no answer. 412 00:18:36,680 --> 00:18:39,880 Claire continued asking her mum for money. 413 00:18:39,920 --> 00:18:40,000 It was always a request for £25. 414 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:43,840 It was always a request for £25. 415 00:18:43,880 --> 00:18:47,560 I found out this £25 that she was always asking for, 416 00:18:47,600 --> 00:18:48,000 that is what a bag of Valium costs. 417 00:18:48,000 --> 00:18:49,600 that is what a bag of Valium costs. 418 00:18:49,640 --> 00:18:52,640 She's been getting the money from me. That's when I stopped it. 419 00:18:53,680 --> 00:18:56,000 Fiona drove to Claire's flat to confront her. 420 00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:57,800 Fiona drove to Claire's flat to confront her. 421 00:18:57,840 --> 00:19:00,200 She came down to the car. 422 00:19:00,240 --> 00:19:02,800 And of course, I'm shouting and saying, "This has got to stop. 423 00:19:02,840 --> 00:19:04,000 "Stop phoning me for money." And then she's going, 424 00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:04,960 "Stop phoning me for money." And then she's going, 425 00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:08,520 "It's OK, Mum, honestly. I swear I'll never ask for money again." 426 00:19:08,560 --> 00:19:10,720 She went, "I love you." I'm saying, "I love you too." 427 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:12,000 Claire walked back to her flat. 428 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:14,680 Claire walked back to her flat. 429 00:19:14,720 --> 00:19:16,760 And then she just turned and said, 430 00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:19,760 "Keep your money! I'm no interested in...", blah, blah... 431 00:19:19,800 --> 00:19:20,000 And I looked up at the flat, he's at the window. 432 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:21,840 And I looked up at the flat, he's at the window. 433 00:19:21,880 --> 00:19:23,880 And I thought, "That's for his benefit." 434 00:19:23,920 --> 00:19:27,480 And this was the turning point when we knew she was being coerced. 435 00:19:33,680 --> 00:19:36,000 Fiona had no idea that this would be the last time 436 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:37,680 Fiona had no idea that this would be the last time 437 00:19:37,720 --> 00:19:40,360 she would see her daughter alive. 438 00:19:44,080 --> 00:19:47,360 The following day, the 27th of November, 439 00:19:47,400 --> 00:19:50,480 while Robbie had a sleepover with his grandparents, 440 00:19:50,520 --> 00:19:52,000 McGowan and Claire went for a night out in Stirling. 441 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:55,240 McGowan and Claire went for a night out in Stirling. 442 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:58,520 Claire and McGowan had been out in town... 443 00:19:59,640 --> 00:20:00,000 ..and having a few drinks. 444 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:01,400 ..and having a few drinks. 445 00:20:01,440 --> 00:20:04,640 McGowan was breaching the terms of his curfew 446 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:07,600 and his bail conditions by being in different parts of Stirling 447 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:08,000 and being out past a certain time. 448 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:09,960 and being out past a certain time. 449 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:16,000 They decided to take a taxi from the town centre back to Claire's flat. 450 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:16,560 They decided to take a taxi from the town centre back to Claire's flat. 451 00:20:18,200 --> 00:20:20,120 At about nine o'clock, 452 00:20:20,160 --> 00:20:22,880 a cab picks up McGowan and Claire. 453 00:20:23,920 --> 00:20:24,000 McGowan was in front with the taxi driver 454 00:20:24,000 --> 00:20:26,080 McGowan was in front with the taxi driver 455 00:20:26,120 --> 00:20:27,960 and Claire was in the back 456 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:30,560 and the taxi driver was able to say the way he was talking to her 457 00:20:30,600 --> 00:20:32,000 in front of him was quite disturbing. 458 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:32,680 in front of him was quite disturbing. 459 00:20:32,720 --> 00:20:35,800 He was being awful to her, 460 00:20:35,840 --> 00:20:38,320 threatening and abusive. 461 00:20:38,360 --> 00:20:40,000 He was turning around and swearing at her. 462 00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:40,880 He was turning around and swearing at her. 463 00:20:41,840 --> 00:20:45,600 He's shouting at her, he's telling her, "Get me the alcohol." 464 00:20:45,640 --> 00:20:48,000 She then goes to a local shop at about ten o'clock. 465 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:51,040 She then goes to a local shop at about ten o'clock. 466 00:20:51,080 --> 00:20:53,840 She goes in, she purchases items, 467 00:20:53,880 --> 00:20:56,000 which to all intents and purposes are items that McGowan wants. 468 00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:57,840 which to all intents and purposes are items that McGowan wants. 469 00:20:58,960 --> 00:21:03,480 And the CCTV shows her leaving the shop. 470 00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:04,000 They then go back to the home address. 471 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:05,640 They then go back to the home address. 472 00:21:05,680 --> 00:21:10,720 These CCTV images are the last recorded images 473 00:21:10,760 --> 00:21:12,000 of Claire Inglis. 474 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:12,680 of Claire Inglis. 475 00:21:15,120 --> 00:21:17,280 Once inside Claire's flat, 476 00:21:17,320 --> 00:21:20,000 the young woman was alone with her drunk, abusive boyfriend. 477 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:21,760 the young woman was alone with her drunk, abusive boyfriend. 478 00:21:21,800 --> 00:21:25,120 It's about five o'clock that morning 479 00:21:25,160 --> 00:21:28,000 when a neighbour finds there is McGowan knocking on the door, 480 00:21:28,000 --> 00:21:29,680 when a neighbour finds there is McGowan knocking on the door, 481 00:21:29,720 --> 00:21:32,200 and he basically says, "I think I've killed Claire." 482 00:21:33,760 --> 00:21:36,000 Two neighbours then ran with him across the street. 483 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:37,440 Two neighbours then ran with him across the street. 484 00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:39,840 He was shouting, saying, "She's fallen down the stairs, 485 00:21:39,880 --> 00:21:42,960 "she's fallen down the stairs. Help me. I need help." 486 00:21:44,040 --> 00:21:47,160 And when they eventually got into the house 487 00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:50,560 and ran up the stairs, they found her in her bedroom, 488 00:21:50,600 --> 00:21:52,000 partially clothed and totally beaten. 489 00:21:52,000 --> 00:21:53,000 partially clothed and totally beaten. 490 00:21:54,200 --> 00:21:58,200 We see a collection of bruises. 491 00:21:58,240 --> 00:22:00,000 We see bleeding. 492 00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:00,160 We see bleeding. 493 00:22:00,200 --> 00:22:06,000 We see injuries consistent with being stricken with blunt force, 494 00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:08,000 and we see a lot of accumulated blood. 495 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:09,520 and we see a lot of accumulated blood. 496 00:22:09,560 --> 00:22:11,680 We also see black eyes, 497 00:22:11,720 --> 00:22:15,360 and we see particular haemorrhages inside the eyes, 498 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:16,000 which are very consistent with strangulation. 499 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:18,880 which are very consistent with strangulation. 500 00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:21,640 The bloody scene and her injuries 501 00:22:21,680 --> 00:22:24,000 didn't seem to match up with McGowan's story 502 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:24,240 didn't seem to match up with McGowan's story 503 00:22:24,280 --> 00:22:27,000 that Claire had fallen down the stairs. 504 00:22:27,040 --> 00:22:30,000 And when the emergency services arrived, 505 00:22:30,040 --> 00:22:32,000 he told them that Claire had taken an overdose. 506 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:33,520 he told them that Claire had taken an overdose. 507 00:22:33,560 --> 00:22:37,560 One of the neighbours then runs outside to confront him 508 00:22:37,600 --> 00:22:39,560 because he doesn't believe 509 00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:40,000 what he's told him and that she's fallen down the stairs. 510 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:42,040 what he's told him and that she's fallen down the stairs. 511 00:22:42,080 --> 00:22:45,000 Firstly, because she is up the stairs. 512 00:22:45,040 --> 00:22:47,160 And secondly, because she is so badly beaten. 513 00:22:48,240 --> 00:22:52,480 And the two of them then got into an altercation outside the property 514 00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:55,200 while the other neighbour was trying to perform CPR. 515 00:22:56,280 --> 00:22:58,000 Back inside the house, 516 00:22:58,040 --> 00:23:00,080 Claire was not breathing. 517 00:23:00,120 --> 00:23:02,640 As paramedics fought to save her life, 518 00:23:02,680 --> 00:23:04,000 they would soon discover that nothing about her condition was accidental. 519 00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:07,760 they would soon discover that nothing about her condition was accidental. 520 00:23:07,800 --> 00:23:10,560 It was becoming more and more obvious 521 00:23:10,600 --> 00:23:12,000 that Claire Inglis had been violently attacked 522 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:14,560 that Claire Inglis had been violently attacked 523 00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:28,000 In the early hours of the 28th of November, 2021, 524 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:29,560 In the early hours of the 28th of November, 2021, 525 00:23:29,600 --> 00:23:33,000 Claire Inglis' parents heard the first reports 526 00:23:33,040 --> 00:23:35,480 that something had happened to their daughter, 527 00:23:35,520 --> 00:23:36,000 five miles away in Stirling. 528 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:38,200 five miles away in Stirling. 529 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:48,320 At 05:10 in the morning, 530 00:23:48,360 --> 00:23:50,480 I got awakened out of sleep 531 00:23:50,520 --> 00:23:52,000 and it was the knock on the door. 532 00:23:52,000 --> 00:23:52,880 and it was the knock on the door. 533 00:23:52,920 --> 00:23:55,920 It was one of Claire's neighbours. 534 00:23:55,960 --> 00:23:58,240 She just came to the door and just said, 535 00:23:58,280 --> 00:24:00,000 "Look, you need to get up the road. And I said, "Why?" 536 00:24:00,000 --> 00:24:00,440 "Look, you need to get up the road. And I said, "Why?" 537 00:24:00,480 --> 00:24:03,360 And she said, "We think Claire's been murdered." 538 00:24:03,400 --> 00:24:06,000 Claire's young son, Robbie, 539 00:24:06,040 --> 00:24:08,000 was staying with his grandparents at the time. 540 00:24:08,000 --> 00:24:09,200 was staying with his grandparents at the time. 541 00:24:09,240 --> 00:24:12,440 Put Robbie through to a close neighbour next door, 542 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:15,200 made sure he was safe. And we just said, "Look, 543 00:24:15,240 --> 00:24:16,000 "Mum's poorly. We're just going up to see what's wrong." 544 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:17,880 "Mum's poorly. We're just going up to see what's wrong." 545 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:22,240 Fiona and Ian's first thoughts went to Christopher McGowan, 546 00:24:22,280 --> 00:24:24,000 the boyfriend they suspected of abusing Claire. 547 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:26,080 the boyfriend they suspected of abusing Claire. 548 00:24:26,120 --> 00:24:28,480 We thought, actually, it was gonna be a good thing. 549 00:24:28,520 --> 00:24:32,000 We thought, "He's slapped her. She'll now know how bad he is. 550 00:24:32,040 --> 00:24:34,560 "She'll come back to the family. Everything will be fine." 551 00:24:36,120 --> 00:24:38,560 But as they approached Claire's flat, 552 00:24:38,600 --> 00:24:40,000 it became clear things were far more serious. 553 00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:42,760 it became clear things were far more serious. 554 00:24:42,800 --> 00:24:46,080 I jumped out the car, shouted at the first policeman I seen 555 00:24:46,120 --> 00:24:48,000 at the top of the stairs, "Is she alive?" 556 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:48,440 at the top of the stairs, "Is she alive?" 557 00:24:48,480 --> 00:24:50,520 He said, "She was five minutes ago." 558 00:24:52,320 --> 00:24:54,960 In fact, Claire's injuries were critical 559 00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:56,000 and paramedics were battling to save her life. 560 00:24:56,000 --> 00:24:58,240 and paramedics were battling to save her life. 561 00:24:59,240 --> 00:25:01,520 As they checked her airways, 562 00:25:01,560 --> 00:25:04,000 they discovered an obstruction. 563 00:25:04,000 --> 00:25:04,160 they discovered an obstruction. 564 00:25:04,200 --> 00:25:09,880 There was a wet wipe that was forced down Claire's throat, 565 00:25:09,920 --> 00:25:12,000 which meant that when the medical team were trying 566 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:12,480 which meant that when the medical team were trying 567 00:25:12,520 --> 00:25:14,240 to render assistance to her, 568 00:25:14,280 --> 00:25:16,400 they couldn't get the breathing apparatus in. 569 00:25:16,440 --> 00:25:20,000 She was warm to the touch, so her heart hadn't been stopped for long. 570 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:20,320 She was warm to the touch, so her heart hadn't been stopped for long. 571 00:25:21,880 --> 00:25:25,680 As Christopher McGowan was led away from the scene, 572 00:25:25,720 --> 00:25:28,000 Ian and Fiona came face to face 573 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:28,400 Ian and Fiona came face to face 574 00:25:28,440 --> 00:25:31,480 with their dying daughter's toxic boyfriend. 575 00:25:31,520 --> 00:25:35,520 Then they brought him out, and he walks towards me. 576 00:25:35,560 --> 00:25:36,000 Then getting taken away in the police car 577 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:37,280 Then getting taken away in the police car 578 00:25:37,320 --> 00:25:40,160 and then we still had to sit for another 20 minutes. 579 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:43,960 As soon as the paramedic came out the flat 580 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:46,080 and she was heading down to the car, we just knew. 581 00:25:46,120 --> 00:25:49,240 Watching the ambulance staff leave, 582 00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:52,000 the Inglis realised the fight for their daughter's life was over. 583 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:53,320 the Inglis realised the fight for their daughter's life was over. 584 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:02,720 Sadly, at 5:41 that morning, 585 00:26:02,760 --> 00:26:04,760 Claire Inglis is declared dead. 586 00:26:06,080 --> 00:26:07,800 And I said to policeman, 587 00:26:07,840 --> 00:26:08,000 "I want to see my daughter. I'm going up to see my daughter." 588 00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:10,200 "I want to see my daughter. I'm going up to see my daughter." 589 00:26:11,840 --> 00:26:14,640 He just went down on his knees and just went, 590 00:26:14,680 --> 00:26:16,000 "It's cruel to be kind, but I'm not letting you go up and see her, 591 00:26:16,000 --> 00:26:17,320 "It's cruel to be kind, but I'm not letting you go up and see her, 592 00:26:17,360 --> 00:26:19,960 "and that's it. I can't let you up to see her." 593 00:26:25,280 --> 00:26:29,000 Despite his claims that it was a tragic accident, 594 00:26:29,040 --> 00:26:32,000 McGowan was arrested on suspicion of Claire's murder. 595 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:32,880 McGowan was arrested on suspicion of Claire's murder. 596 00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:38,120 Investigators began to gather forensic evidence from the scene 597 00:26:38,160 --> 00:26:39,960 and the suspect. 598 00:26:41,680 --> 00:26:43,400 Prior to the interview, 599 00:26:43,440 --> 00:26:46,080 the officers made him aware they were going to be taking swabs. 600 00:26:47,120 --> 00:26:48,000 Did he punch her? Did he touch her? 601 00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:49,480 Did he punch her? Did he touch her? 602 00:26:49,520 --> 00:26:51,240 Did he scrape her? 603 00:26:51,280 --> 00:26:54,080 Evidence from his hands need to be collected 604 00:26:54,120 --> 00:26:56,000 so that we determine whether DNA was transferred between him 605 00:26:56,000 --> 00:26:58,160 so that we determine whether DNA was transferred between him 606 00:26:58,200 --> 00:26:59,960 and Claire. 607 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:04,000 McGowan is well aware of the possibility of this transfer of DNA. 608 00:27:04,000 --> 00:27:05,080 McGowan is well aware of the possibility of this transfer of DNA. 609 00:27:05,120 --> 00:27:10,240 So, he uses the blanket he has near him to wipe his hands to try hard 610 00:27:10,280 --> 00:27:12,000 to remove any evidence of Claire on his body. 611 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:14,160 to remove any evidence of Claire on his body. 612 00:27:15,120 --> 00:27:18,520 When questioned, McGowan had little to say 613 00:27:18,560 --> 00:27:20,000 about how Claire had come by her devastating injuries. 614 00:27:20,000 --> 00:27:22,760 about how Claire had come by her devastating injuries. 615 00:27:22,800 --> 00:27:26,240 During the interview, he said he was only trying to save her life. 616 00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:28,000 But as further witness statements were collected, 617 00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:29,840 But as further witness statements were collected, 618 00:27:29,880 --> 00:27:34,400 they showed the variety of different explanations McGowan had given 619 00:27:34,440 --> 00:27:36,000 to neighbours and paramedics. 620 00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:36,280 to neighbours and paramedics. 621 00:27:38,240 --> 00:27:40,000 He started saying, "Oh, 622 00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:43,560 "she'd fallen downstairs. "She took an overdose of Valium." 623 00:27:44,880 --> 00:27:47,280 Falling down the stairs can be lethal. 624 00:27:47,320 --> 00:27:50,800 However, it does not result in all of your injuries 625 00:27:50,840 --> 00:27:52,000 being concentrated on your skull or most of them. 626 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:54,520 being concentrated on your skull or most of them. 627 00:27:54,560 --> 00:27:58,080 You would have superficial bruises all over your body 628 00:27:58,120 --> 00:27:59,800 as you roll down the stairs. 629 00:27:59,840 --> 00:28:00,000 And you will also have bleeding throughout your body. 630 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:03,520 And you will also have bleeding throughout your body. 631 00:28:03,560 --> 00:28:06,520 It doesn't result in signs of strangulation 632 00:28:06,560 --> 00:28:08,000 and obviously not involving a wet tissue 633 00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:10,480 and obviously not involving a wet tissue 634 00:28:10,520 --> 00:28:12,240 being shoved down your throat. 635 00:28:12,280 --> 00:28:16,000 This is a scenario that makes absolute no scientific sense. 636 00:28:17,200 --> 00:28:21,800 There were also signs of an extreme and violent struggle. 637 00:28:21,840 --> 00:28:24,000 Her acrylic nails were found scattered around her body. 638 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:26,600 Her acrylic nails were found scattered around her body. 639 00:28:26,640 --> 00:28:29,120 And this suggests to me that Claire fought 640 00:28:29,160 --> 00:28:31,000 for her life until the very end. 641 00:28:32,880 --> 00:28:37,960 At one point, McGowan claimed that he couldn't remember what had happened. 642 00:28:38,960 --> 00:28:40,000 The question I'd ask myself, "Which one is it?" 643 00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:40,920 The question I'd ask myself, "Which one is it?" 644 00:28:40,960 --> 00:28:42,640 If you can't remember what happened, 645 00:28:42,680 --> 00:28:44,440 then why have you given those other three, 646 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:47,000 four accounts as to why she may have died? It didn't make sense. 647 00:28:52,280 --> 00:28:55,880 Detectives didn't believe Christopher McGowan's lies 648 00:28:55,920 --> 00:28:56,000 and promptly charged him with Claire's murder. 649 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:59,600 and promptly charged him with Claire's murder. 650 00:28:59,640 --> 00:29:01,720 On the 30th of November, 651 00:29:01,760 --> 00:29:04,000 McGowan appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court, 652 00:29:04,000 --> 00:29:04,440 McGowan appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court, 653 00:29:04,480 --> 00:29:06,480 where he entered no plea, 654 00:29:06,520 --> 00:29:09,040 and was remanded in custody. 655 00:29:10,840 --> 00:29:12,000 In the meantime, 656 00:29:12,000 --> 00:29:12,560 In the meantime, 657 00:29:12,600 --> 00:29:17,680 Fiona and Ian had to break the news to Claire's 7-year-old son, Robbie. 658 00:29:17,720 --> 00:29:20,000 We just sat him down, and I just said, 659 00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:20,920 We just sat him down, and I just said, 660 00:29:20,960 --> 00:29:24,040 "We've got really bad news." I said, "Mum didn't make it. 661 00:29:24,080 --> 00:29:27,600 "She died at the hospital. She's passed away." 662 00:29:27,640 --> 00:29:28,000 And then he went away, up the room, slammed the door. Broke his heart. 663 00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:31,400 And then he went away, up the room, slammed the door. Broke his heart. 664 00:29:35,280 --> 00:29:36,000 With no straight answers from McGowan, 665 00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:38,480 With no straight answers from McGowan, 666 00:29:38,520 --> 00:29:40,960 detectives returned to the crime scene 667 00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:44,000 to build a picture of what may have happened to Claire that night. 668 00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:45,600 to build a picture of what may have happened to Claire that night. 669 00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:49,280 Looking at the flat, there was a lot of damage that happened that night. 670 00:29:49,320 --> 00:29:52,000 There was blood that was found on the ceilings, on the walls. 671 00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:53,200 There was blood that was found on the ceilings, on the walls. 672 00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:57,520 There was blood on the fridge, there was blood on the skirting boards. 673 00:29:57,560 --> 00:29:59,960 There was blood in the living room. 674 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:02,160 But there was also historical damage there. 675 00:30:02,200 --> 00:30:05,680 There were some puncture holes on the walls, 676 00:30:05,720 --> 00:30:08,000 as well as dents on the refrigerator of the apartment of the flat. 677 00:30:08,000 --> 00:30:10,000 as well as dents on the refrigerator of the apartment of the flat. 678 00:30:10,040 --> 00:30:13,400 It's really important to understand this don't happen in normal life. 679 00:30:13,440 --> 00:30:16,000 These are signs of aggression and violence. 680 00:30:16,000 --> 00:30:17,080 These are signs of aggression and violence. 681 00:30:17,120 --> 00:30:20,200 There were cigarettes stumped out in the carpet. 682 00:30:20,240 --> 00:30:23,360 And it was untidy and unkept. 683 00:30:23,400 --> 00:30:24,000 But from speaking to Claire's parents and her friends, 684 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:26,360 But from speaking to Claire's parents and her friends, 685 00:30:26,400 --> 00:30:29,640 she was very house proud, kept her house 686 00:30:29,680 --> 00:30:32,000 and her and her son very clean, neat, and tidy. 687 00:30:32,000 --> 00:30:32,560 and her and her son very clean, neat, and tidy. 688 00:30:35,640 --> 00:30:39,400 The next step in the investigation was a post mortem, 689 00:30:39,440 --> 00:30:40,000 which detailed the horrific injuries Claire had suffered 690 00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:42,640 which detailed the horrific injuries Claire had suffered 691 00:30:42,680 --> 00:30:45,080 just before her death. 692 00:30:45,120 --> 00:30:48,000 Claire had received 76 individual injuries, 693 00:30:48,000 --> 00:30:49,600 Claire had received 76 individual injuries, 694 00:30:49,640 --> 00:30:52,840 which would imply that it was a sustained and prolonged attack. 695 00:30:54,480 --> 00:30:56,000 There was practically no part of her body that was uninjured. 696 00:30:56,000 --> 00:30:59,160 There was practically no part of her body that was uninjured. 697 00:31:01,040 --> 00:31:04,000 The pathologist also notes burn marks at her fingertips, 698 00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:05,800 The pathologist also notes burn marks at her fingertips, 699 00:31:05,840 --> 00:31:08,360 on her nose, her ears. 700 00:31:08,400 --> 00:31:12,000 This is a person who's laying there being tortured by her killer, 701 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:13,480 This is a person who's laying there being tortured by her killer, 702 00:31:13,520 --> 00:31:18,080 being burned as if somebody's saying, "You see you deserve this." 703 00:31:19,240 --> 00:31:20,000 She had small marks on the outer of her skin in different parts 704 00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:23,080 She had small marks on the outer of her skin in different parts 705 00:31:23,120 --> 00:31:26,640 of her body, which they thought might have been by a screwdriver 706 00:31:26,680 --> 00:31:28,000 or something similar. 707 00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:28,480 or something similar. 708 00:31:28,520 --> 00:31:31,720 We have a severity 709 00:31:31,760 --> 00:31:35,640 and a number of injuries that suggest that our killer 710 00:31:35,680 --> 00:31:36,000 was really determined to make sure 711 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:38,800 was really determined to make sure 712 00:31:38,840 --> 00:31:42,320 that Claire does not walk away alive. 713 00:31:42,360 --> 00:31:44,000 It doesn't take 76 separate injuries 714 00:31:44,000 --> 00:31:46,640 It doesn't take 76 separate injuries 715 00:31:46,680 --> 00:31:49,360 to kill a person who is smaller, 716 00:31:49,400 --> 00:31:51,560 shorter and weaker than you. 717 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:52,000 This killer was on a mission. 718 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:53,680 This killer was on a mission. 719 00:31:54,760 --> 00:31:58,200 While Ian and Fiona Inglis tried to comprehend 720 00:31:58,240 --> 00:32:00,000 the loss of their daughter, 721 00:32:00,000 --> 00:32:00,160 the loss of their daughter, 722 00:32:00,200 --> 00:32:04,880 investigators prepared their case against Christopher McGowan. 723 00:32:04,920 --> 00:32:07,520 It would be two long years 724 00:32:07,560 --> 00:32:08,000 before he would be in the dock and no guarantee... 725 00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:11,240 before he would be in the dock and no guarantee... 726 00:32:12,120 --> 00:32:13,880 ..he'd be found guilty. 727 00:32:25,280 --> 00:32:28,280 In the early autumn of 2023, 728 00:32:28,320 --> 00:32:32,000 28-year-old Christopher McGowan's trial for the murder 729 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:32,280 28-year-old Christopher McGowan's trial for the murder 730 00:32:32,320 --> 00:32:34,720 of his girlfriend, Claire Inglis, 731 00:32:34,760 --> 00:32:38,160 began at the High Court in Stirling. 732 00:32:42,840 --> 00:32:47,640 The trial started on the 20th of September. 733 00:32:47,680 --> 00:32:48,000 And it had been an almost two-year lead up to the trial date. 734 00:32:48,000 --> 00:32:53,640 And it had been an almost two-year lead up to the trial date. 735 00:32:54,680 --> 00:32:56,000 It was the first time the Inglis had seen Christopher McGowan 736 00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,880 It was the first time the Inglis had seen Christopher McGowan 737 00:32:58,920 --> 00:33:02,120 since the night of their daughter's murder. 738 00:33:03,120 --> 00:33:04,000 I was wanting to jump that glass, and he's just sitting there. 739 00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:06,520 I was wanting to jump that glass, and he's just sitting there. 740 00:33:06,560 --> 00:33:10,720 And he did not once show any remorse. 741 00:33:12,040 --> 00:33:14,760 McGowan, ever brazen, 742 00:33:14,800 --> 00:33:20,000 actually wore a designer watch that Claire had given him in the dock. 743 00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:21,920 actually wore a designer watch that Claire had given him in the dock. 744 00:33:21,960 --> 00:33:24,680 The prosecution called on the neighbours 745 00:33:24,720 --> 00:33:27,440 who had tried to save Claire's life that night, 746 00:33:27,480 --> 00:33:28,000 as well as the taxi driver who had heard a drunk McGowan abuse 747 00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:32,480 as well as the taxi driver who had heard a drunk McGowan abuse 748 00:33:32,520 --> 00:33:34,360 and degrade her. 749 00:33:34,400 --> 00:33:36,000 The character witnesses were called up to give evidence 750 00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:38,440 The character witnesses were called up to give evidence 751 00:33:38,480 --> 00:33:42,520 on how people had heard Magowan treat Claire in day-to-day life, 752 00:33:42,560 --> 00:33:44,000 how he spoke to her. 753 00:33:44,000 --> 00:33:44,280 how he spoke to her. 754 00:33:45,280 --> 00:33:47,000 Evidence was offered to prove 755 00:33:47,040 --> 00:33:51,480 that McGowan was financially coercing Claire. 756 00:33:51,520 --> 00:33:52,000 He pawned a PlayStation that her son had, 757 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:55,840 He pawned a PlayStation that her son had, 758 00:33:55,880 --> 00:34:00,000 as well as a watch that she was given as her 21st birthday present. 759 00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:00,440 as well as a watch that she was given as her 21st birthday present. 760 00:34:01,520 --> 00:34:04,880 We found out all the invoices, all boys' stuff, 761 00:34:04,920 --> 00:34:08,000 designer shoes, designer trousers, everything. 762 00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:08,520 designer shoes, designer trousers, everything. 763 00:34:11,040 --> 00:34:15,360 A major part of the prosecution's case against McGowan 764 00:34:15,400 --> 00:34:16,000 were the postmortem results, 765 00:34:16,000 --> 00:34:17,480 were the postmortem results, 766 00:34:17,520 --> 00:34:21,320 which came as a shock to Claire's mother and father. 767 00:34:23,320 --> 00:34:24,000 Fiona and Ian Inglis didn't really know the full extent 768 00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:26,360 Fiona and Ian Inglis didn't really know the full extent 769 00:34:26,400 --> 00:34:30,920 of what had happened to Claire prior to going into trial, really. 770 00:34:30,960 --> 00:34:32,000 They had just been told it was head trauma. 771 00:34:32,000 --> 00:34:33,680 They had just been told it was head trauma. 772 00:34:35,520 --> 00:34:39,360 Fiona was undergoing chemotherapy during the trial, 773 00:34:39,400 --> 00:34:40,000 and she was at home when evidence of Claire's injuries was presented. 774 00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:43,880 and she was at home when evidence of Claire's injuries was presented. 775 00:34:44,880 --> 00:34:47,600 My friend, Maggie, contacted me and she said, 776 00:34:47,640 --> 00:34:48,000 "My heart bleeds for you. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." 777 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:50,160 "My heart bleeds for you. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." 778 00:34:50,200 --> 00:34:52,200 And I'm thinking, "What?" 779 00:34:52,240 --> 00:34:54,000 And then I says, "Oh, I'm at home, Maggie." 780 00:34:54,040 --> 00:34:55,720 "Oh, well, don't click on the link." 781 00:34:55,760 --> 00:34:56,000 Fiona's friend had sent her a link to a news article. 782 00:34:56,000 --> 00:35:00,520 Fiona's friend had sent her a link to a news article. 783 00:35:00,560 --> 00:35:02,760 And then when I clicked on the link, 784 00:35:02,800 --> 00:35:04,000 and of course the front page was going be, 785 00:35:04,000 --> 00:35:04,600 and of course the front page was going be, 786 00:35:04,640 --> 00:35:07,920 "Claire Inglis tortured in 76 injuries." 787 00:35:07,960 --> 00:35:10,040 I went into like a panic attack. 788 00:35:10,080 --> 00:35:11,960 And then Robbie said, "What's wrong, Nana?" 789 00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:14,560 And I went in the kitchen, and I was physically sick 790 00:35:14,600 --> 00:35:19,040 because that was the first time me knowing how bad it had been for her. 791 00:35:23,800 --> 00:35:26,960 To know how callous he's been, how sadistic he's been 792 00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:28,000 and the things he's done to her. Nobody deserves that. 793 00:35:28,000 --> 00:35:29,800 and the things he's done to her. Nobody deserves that. 794 00:35:29,840 --> 00:35:33,040 I'm not saying anybody deserves it, but Claire certainly never. 795 00:35:34,960 --> 00:35:36,000 Imagine her pain and fighting when she was fighting for her life. 796 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:38,680 Imagine her pain and fighting when she was fighting for her life. 797 00:35:43,120 --> 00:35:44,000 Not long into the trial, 798 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:45,360 Not long into the trial, 799 00:35:45,400 --> 00:35:50,400 McGowan did something that almost caused proceedings to collapse. 800 00:35:50,440 --> 00:35:52,000 On the third day of the trial, 801 00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:52,600 On the third day of the trial, 802 00:35:52,640 --> 00:35:54,960 he turns up in intoxicated. 803 00:35:55,000 --> 00:35:58,920 He isn't even prepared to take the trial seriously. 804 00:36:01,720 --> 00:36:03,720 He came staggering in the door. 805 00:36:03,760 --> 00:36:06,320 And I kinda looked and I thought, "He looks like he's drunk." 806 00:36:07,320 --> 00:36:08,000 McGowan had allegedly taken 807 00:36:08,000 --> 00:36:09,600 McGowan had allegedly taken 808 00:36:09,640 --> 00:36:13,320 at least double the amount of anxiety medication 809 00:36:13,360 --> 00:36:15,960 provided by Barlinnie Prison 810 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:21,000 but also may have accessed drugs illegally whilst behind bars. 811 00:36:21,040 --> 00:36:23,920 The case was adjourned for that day. 812 00:36:23,960 --> 00:36:24,000 He could have said, "Well, I wasn't in any fit state, 813 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:26,200 He could have said, "Well, I wasn't in any fit state, 814 00:36:26,240 --> 00:36:29,240 "and I didn't understand what was being said during the trial." 815 00:36:29,280 --> 00:36:31,080 And that would have been even worse. 816 00:36:31,120 --> 00:36:32,000 He probably could have gotten off. 817 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:32,960 He probably could have gotten off. 818 00:36:33,880 --> 00:36:35,600 When they were taking him out, 819 00:36:35,640 --> 00:36:37,960 and that's when he turned and he went, "Ah, haha." 820 00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:40,000 Right up to Ian and I's faces. 821 00:36:41,920 --> 00:36:44,480 Once the prosecution had made its case, 822 00:36:44,520 --> 00:36:48,000 it was the defence's turn to present evidence. 823 00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:48,880 it was the defence's turn to present evidence. 824 00:36:48,920 --> 00:36:53,080 They did not deny McGowan HAD played some part 825 00:36:53,120 --> 00:36:56,000 in the injuries Claire had sustained. 826 00:36:56,000 --> 00:36:56,040 in the injuries Claire had sustained. 827 00:36:56,080 --> 00:37:01,640 McGowan, at the time of the trial, offered the defence of self-defence. 828 00:37:01,680 --> 00:37:04,000 Therefore, we had to assume that a smaller, 829 00:37:04,000 --> 00:37:05,000 Therefore, we had to assume that a smaller, 830 00:37:05,040 --> 00:37:07,360 more petite person, 831 00:37:07,400 --> 00:37:09,840 Claire, was attacking him, 832 00:37:09,880 --> 00:37:12,000 and he felt threatened enough 833 00:37:12,040 --> 00:37:15,080 to have to defend himself by killing her. 834 00:37:16,360 --> 00:37:19,960 He has no defence injuries whatsoever, 835 00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:24,280 that would suggest that Claire tried to even attack him. 836 00:37:24,320 --> 00:37:27,320 But ahead of closing speeches, 837 00:37:27,360 --> 00:37:28,000 the defence dropped the theory of self-defence 838 00:37:28,000 --> 00:37:30,000 the defence dropped the theory of self-defence 839 00:37:30,040 --> 00:37:33,920 and instead focused on McGowan's state of mind. 840 00:37:33,960 --> 00:37:36,000 McGowan decides that he's going to put forward a scenario as to why 841 00:37:36,000 --> 00:37:38,800 McGowan decides that he's going to put forward a scenario as to why 842 00:37:38,840 --> 00:37:41,360 he turned to drink and drugs. 843 00:37:41,400 --> 00:37:43,120 "I had to resort to alcohol 844 00:37:43,160 --> 00:37:44,000 "and drugs to cope with the abuse in my childhood." 845 00:37:44,000 --> 00:37:46,160 "and drugs to cope with the abuse in my childhood." 846 00:37:47,280 --> 00:37:50,000 He's trying to say, again, 847 00:37:50,040 --> 00:37:51,760 "None of this is MY fault." 848 00:37:53,200 --> 00:37:55,680 After a week-long trial, 849 00:37:55,720 --> 00:38:00,000 it took the jury just two hours to find Christopher McGowan guilty 850 00:38:00,000 --> 00:38:00,880 it took the jury just two hours to find Christopher McGowan guilty 851 00:38:00,920 --> 00:38:02,800 of murdering Claire Inglis. 852 00:38:04,240 --> 00:38:08,000 I shudder to imagine what Claire's last minutes were like. 853 00:38:08,000 --> 00:38:09,040 I shudder to imagine what Claire's last minutes were like. 854 00:38:09,080 --> 00:38:11,160 It was beyond sadistic. 855 00:38:11,200 --> 00:38:14,880 McGowan has shown not a flutter of emotion, 856 00:38:14,920 --> 00:38:16,000 not a hint of distress, 857 00:38:16,000 --> 00:38:16,720 not a hint of distress, 858 00:38:16,760 --> 00:38:18,880 not a shadow of remorse. 859 00:38:18,920 --> 00:38:22,360 It is a truly horrifying story. 860 00:38:23,760 --> 00:38:24,000 On the 25th of October, 2023, 861 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:26,080 On the 25th of October, 2023, 862 00:38:26,120 --> 00:38:29,080 McGovern was sentenced to life imprisonment 863 00:38:29,120 --> 00:38:32,000 with a minimum term of 23 years imprisonment. 864 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:32,200 with a minimum term of 23 years imprisonment. 865 00:38:33,240 --> 00:38:36,960 He actually shuddered. He shook and shuddered. And I thought, "Good. 866 00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:39,600 "It's hitting you now that you're going away for a long time." 867 00:38:39,640 --> 00:38:40,000 With no admission of guilt from McGowan, 868 00:38:40,000 --> 00:38:43,400 With no admission of guilt from McGowan, 869 00:38:43,440 --> 00:38:45,520 Claire's parents have been left wondering 870 00:38:45,560 --> 00:38:48,000 why he killed their daughter in such a brutal 871 00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:49,040 why he killed their daughter in such a brutal 872 00:38:49,080 --> 00:38:51,040 and relentless attack. 873 00:38:51,080 --> 00:38:54,400 I do honestly believe that Claire was gonna fling him out. 874 00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:56,000 And this is why he's reacted. 875 00:38:56,000 --> 00:38:56,440 And this is why he's reacted. 876 00:38:59,160 --> 00:39:01,720 Looking at Christopher McGowan in the whole, 877 00:39:01,760 --> 00:39:04,000 an early career criminal who uses violence like its punctuation. 878 00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:08,520 an early career criminal who uses violence like its punctuation. 879 00:39:08,560 --> 00:39:10,840 He then kills somebody. 880 00:39:10,880 --> 00:39:12,000 He then tries to blame that person. 881 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:13,600 He then tries to blame that person. 882 00:39:13,640 --> 00:39:17,560 He's not gonna improve in prison. 883 00:39:17,600 --> 00:39:20,000 He is going to get WORSE in prison. 884 00:39:20,000 --> 00:39:20,600 He is going to get WORSE in prison. 885 00:39:21,600 --> 00:39:23,440 I don't think he's gonna come out reformed. 886 00:39:23,480 --> 00:39:26,080 He's gonna be in there till he dies. That's what we're hoping. 887 00:39:26,120 --> 00:39:28,000 And hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later. 888 00:39:28,000 --> 00:39:28,200 And hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later. 889 00:39:29,800 --> 00:39:33,120 A vicious man had been removed from the streets, 890 00:39:33,160 --> 00:39:34,880 but for Claire's family, 891 00:39:34,920 --> 00:39:36,000 many questions are still unanswered. 892 00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:37,920 many questions are still unanswered. 893 00:39:40,680 --> 00:39:43,960 Claire's family have been seeking an independent review 894 00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:48,520 into the circumstances as to how McGowan was allowed to... 895 00:39:48,560 --> 00:39:50,600 be living at Claire's address. 896 00:39:50,640 --> 00:39:52,000 Claire's case raises a lot of questions. 897 00:39:52,000 --> 00:39:54,200 Claire's case raises a lot of questions. 898 00:39:54,240 --> 00:39:58,160 There are questions about how different public systems communicate 899 00:39:58,200 --> 00:40:00,000 with one another. There are questions around people 900 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:01,640 with one another. There are questions around people 901 00:40:01,680 --> 00:40:05,360 with lengthy criminal histories being released on bail. 902 00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:08,000 There's a whole host of questions they feel need to be answered. 903 00:40:08,000 --> 00:40:10,120 There's a whole host of questions they feel need to be answered. 904 00:40:11,080 --> 00:40:13,520 And all I'm wanting is an independent inquiry to find out 905 00:40:13,560 --> 00:40:16,000 because I've got everything back from the social 906 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:16,120 because I've got everything back from the social 907 00:40:16,160 --> 00:40:18,600 and it doesn't sit with me right. 908 00:40:21,560 --> 00:40:23,840 Four months after the trial, 909 00:40:23,880 --> 00:40:24,000 it was revealed that social services had raised a concern, 910 00:40:24,000 --> 00:40:28,200 it was revealed that social services had raised a concern, 911 00:40:28,240 --> 00:40:32,000 that McGowan was living with Claire, six weeks before her murder. 912 00:40:32,000 --> 00:40:33,120 that McGowan was living with Claire, six weeks before her murder. 913 00:40:35,920 --> 00:40:40,000 From my perspective as an SIO or even as a dad, 914 00:40:40,040 --> 00:40:41,800 put it simple as that, 915 00:40:41,840 --> 00:40:47,000 I would be frustrated that the powers that be had an opportunity 916 00:40:47,040 --> 00:40:48,000 to do a effective risk assessment 917 00:40:48,000 --> 00:40:51,120 to do a effective risk assessment 918 00:40:51,160 --> 00:40:53,800 as to whether or not an individual 919 00:40:53,840 --> 00:40:56,000 should be remaining with someone else who was vulnerable, 920 00:40:56,000 --> 00:40:56,480 should be remaining with someone else who was vulnerable, 921 00:40:56,520 --> 00:40:59,480 and everything was there for them to see 922 00:40:59,520 --> 00:41:01,800 that that was not the right decision to be made. 923 00:41:03,120 --> 00:41:04,000 We just don't want another family going through 924 00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:05,120 We just don't want another family going through 925 00:41:05,160 --> 00:41:07,360 even an ounce of what we've been through. 926 00:41:07,400 --> 00:41:12,000 If I think I could even just save one woman for going through, or man 927 00:41:12,000 --> 00:41:12,120 If I think I could even just save one woman for going through, or man 928 00:41:12,160 --> 00:41:15,640 for going through what we have gone through, it's just... 929 00:41:15,680 --> 00:41:17,400 It would make it all worthwhile. 930 00:41:19,400 --> 00:41:20,000 The main reform that they're calling for 931 00:41:20,000 --> 00:41:21,400 The main reform that they're calling for 932 00:41:21,440 --> 00:41:24,840 is for a review of bail conditions 933 00:41:24,880 --> 00:41:28,000 and for anyone with any sort of violence conviction 934 00:41:28,000 --> 00:41:29,880 and for anyone with any sort of violence conviction 935 00:41:29,920 --> 00:41:34,880 to not be placed in the home of a child or a vulnerable person. 936 00:41:34,920 --> 00:41:36,000 They're also in favour of a domestic abuse register, 937 00:41:36,000 --> 00:41:39,040 They're also in favour of a domestic abuse register, 938 00:41:39,080 --> 00:41:42,200 so anyone who has any kind of domestic conviction 939 00:41:42,240 --> 00:41:44,000 would go on a domestic abuse register. 940 00:41:44,000 --> 00:41:44,160 would go on a domestic abuse register. 941 00:41:46,840 --> 00:41:49,880 As they continue their campaign for justice, 942 00:41:49,920 --> 00:41:52,000 Ian and Fiona still wish they could have done more 943 00:41:52,000 --> 00:41:54,120 Ian and Fiona still wish they could have done more 944 00:41:54,160 --> 00:41:57,080 to prevent Claire's tragic murder. 945 00:41:58,400 --> 00:42:00,000 It's hard to accept as well, getting told 946 00:42:00,000 --> 00:42:00,440 It's hard to accept as well, getting told 947 00:42:00,480 --> 00:42:03,280 that I did the exact thing that he wanted. 948 00:42:03,320 --> 00:42:05,800 He wanted to break the family away from her 949 00:42:05,840 --> 00:42:07,760 so he could just get her to herself. 950 00:42:07,800 --> 00:42:08,000 And if I had did the opposite and just went in the house 951 00:42:08,000 --> 00:42:10,480 And if I had did the opposite and just went in the house 952 00:42:10,520 --> 00:42:12,800 and just grabbed him, flung him outta the house, 953 00:42:12,840 --> 00:42:15,320 it could have been a totally different scenario, 954 00:42:15,360 --> 00:42:16,000 but I thought I was doing the right thing. 955 00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:17,800 but I thought I was doing the right thing. 956 00:42:17,840 --> 00:42:21,200 We've got a memorial bench in Riverside for her as well, 957 00:42:21,240 --> 00:42:23,880 facing up to the Wallace Monument because we had picnics there, 958 00:42:23,920 --> 00:42:24,000 so I just felt it was quite fitting, 959 00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:26,240 so I just felt it was quite fitting, 960 00:42:26,280 --> 00:42:29,760 have it in Riverside, that you can sit in the bench 961 00:42:29,800 --> 00:42:32,000 and it's got the cherry blossom on each side. 962 00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:32,440 and it's got the cherry blossom on each side. 963 00:42:32,480 --> 00:42:35,200 It's beautiful. So, we can go down there 964 00:42:35,240 --> 00:42:39,040 and get a wee bit a release, just thinking she's at peace. 965 00:42:40,840 --> 00:42:44,120 The love with which Claire's family remember her 966 00:42:44,160 --> 00:42:48,000 is in stark contrast to the impression left by her murderer. 967 00:42:48,000 --> 00:42:48,680 is in stark contrast to the impression left by her murderer. 968 00:42:48,720 --> 00:42:52,160 It takes a special kind of person, 969 00:42:52,200 --> 00:42:54,440 distorted personality, 970 00:42:54,480 --> 00:42:56,000 deranged person, to deliver such a sustainable, 971 00:42:56,000 --> 00:42:59,400 deranged person, to deliver such a sustainable, 972 00:42:59,440 --> 00:43:03,640 continuous tortures attack to a smaller person 973 00:43:03,680 --> 00:43:04,000 whose last few weeks and months in life were to help you. 974 00:43:04,000 --> 00:43:08,840 whose last few weeks and months in life were to help you. 975 00:43:08,880 --> 00:43:11,000 This person is a vicious, 976 00:43:11,040 --> 00:43:12,000 determined, evil killer. 977 00:43:12,000 --> 00:43:13,800 determined, evil killer. 978 00:43:16,240 --> 00:43:18,480 A violent repeat offender, 979 00:43:18,520 --> 00:43:20,000 who was no stranger to the courts or the prison system. 980 00:43:20,000 --> 00:43:22,480 who was no stranger to the courts or the prison system. 981 00:43:23,520 --> 00:43:28,000 McGowan's final horrific act of violence against Claire Inglis 982 00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:28,520 McGowan's final horrific act of violence against Claire Inglis 983 00:43:28,560 --> 00:43:31,440 revealed his true sadistic nature. 984 00:43:31,480 --> 00:43:33,840 He took the life of an innocent mother 985 00:43:33,880 --> 00:43:36,000 and left her young child an orphan. 986 00:43:36,000 --> 00:43:36,880 and left her young child an orphan. 987 00:43:37,760 --> 00:43:41,200 There is no doubt that Christopher McGowan 988 00:43:41,240 --> 00:43:44,000 is one of Britain's most evil killers. 989 00:43:44,000 --> 00:43:45,200 is one of Britain's most evil killers. 990 00:43:52,720 --> 00:43:55,280 (GRAND MUSIC) 991 00:43:55,320 --> 00:43:58,760 Subtitles by Sky Access Services www.skyaccessibility.sky