TRAGIC Claire Inglis’ grieving parents yesterday looked on as Humza Yousaf was asked why a violent career criminal was granted bail before her horrific murder.
Fiona and Ian Inglis sat in the Scots Parly’s public gallery just a day after evil Christopher McGowan, 28, was caged for at least 23 years for killing their daughter in a savage attack.
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And they heard Tory MSP Russell Findlay call for an independent inquiry — and claim a recent reform of bail rules is leading to more dangerous individuals being freed to commit violent crimes.
The shadow justice secretary told how McGowan had avoided being remanded in custody five times before his “bestial” slaughter of Claire, 28, in November 2021.
Weeks earlier he’d again been granted bail on condition he stayed at the mum of one’s flat in Stirling — where he battered, stabbed, burned and strangled her and pushed a wet wipe down her throat.
At First Minister’s Questions, Mr Findlay said: “Claire was tortured and murdered in her own home, leaving behind her young son.
“Fiona and Ian Inglis have found the strength to be here 24 hours after their daughter’s killer was jailed.
“They’re here for answers.
“Why was a violent criminal with dozens of convictions granted bail, not once or twice but five times?”
Mr Yousaf replied: “My thoughts are with Ian and Fiona.
“I cannot imagine the trauma and grief they are going through.”
He said decisions on bail “are for the independent judiciary,” adding: “They are not for any First Minister to interfere with.”
The SNP chief also said he did not agree with Mr Findlay’s “characterisation and criticism” of the Bail and Release Bill, which was passed by MSPs in June.
But he vowed to raise the family’s concerns with senior judges and the Lord Advocate.
McGowan was convicted of Claire’s murder after a trial at the High Court in Stirling.
The jury heard he had 40 previous convictions, including three for assault and one with a domestic aggravation from 2014.
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