Query Raised on the Involvement of Drugged Convict in Court Proceedings
Judicial authorities are being asked to elucidate why a convicted murderer was permitted in a court trial to give evidence while under the influence of illegal substances and prison-prescribed drugs.
Christopher McGowan, who was on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, Claire Inglis, arrived for his third day in court visibly under the influence of valium. Observers claimed he was in such a state that surprised the presiding judge, leading to McGowan’s expulsion from the courtroom and the adjournment of the case for the day.
Christopher McGowan was pronounced guilty in September following a seven-day trial for the murder of Claire Inglis at her home in Glasgow on November 28, 2021. He received his sentence in October, a minimum prison term of 23 years.
Further investigation uncovered that convicted felons are often prescribed medication to manage addiction. However, in McGowan’s case, he was also able to procure illegal substances while in prison.
Claire’s parents, Ian and Fiona Inglis, have since dispatched a letter to the court service, calling for an investigation into the matter. Their concern stems from the potential influence of the killer’s state on the trial.
After his release on bail, McGowan killed Claire, leaving her 28-year-old son motherless. Ian Inglis expressed his shock and anger at McGowan’s blatant lack of remorse and capacity to stand trial, fearing the impeded proceedings could possibly result in a mistrial.
Ian and Fiona Inglis, Claire Inglis’ parents, have petitioned the Crown Office for an investigation, fearing the potential impact of McGowan’s condition on the trial.
McGowan’s defense advocate, Paul Nelson, conveyed to Judge Michael O’Grady that there were apprehensions regarding his client’s state, revealing that security officers had already cautioned him twice due to his bizarre behavior. Despite the notifications, it was decided that McGowan was fit for trial.
According to Ian, this decision was made despite the knowledge that the accused had consumed at least double the dosage of anxiety medication supplied by a prison in the city of Glasgow. The day’s proceedings were concluded with the judge expressing his utter bafflement at the situation.
Scotland’s judicial and prison authorities are now under criticism for their oversight, given the potential harm to the justice served to grief-stricken families and the integrity of the judicial system. Scottish Conservative MSP, Sharon Dowey, emphasized the need for answers regarding McGowan’s access to large quantities of Valium.
In response to these concerns, representatives from The Crown Office, Procurator Fiscal Service, Judicial Office for Scotland and Scottish Prison Service respectively offered to meet the Inglis family, assured that any complaint would be addressed in line with their complaint procedure and declined to comment on individual cases.
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