In a shocking incident that took place in Jedburgh, the ex-girlfriend of a former police officer who attempted to kill her and her elderly mother has branded him as the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ of the town. William McBurnie, 57, was sentenced to 11 years in prison at the High Court in Livingston for the near-fatal attack that occurred on December 7, 2022. The incident involved McBurnie ramming his car through the window of a funeral parlour owned by his ex-girlfriend, Zoe Turnbull, narrowly missing her and her 71-year-old mother, Beverly.
Ms Turnbull, who suffered hearing loss and injuries to her back and legs in the attack, described McBurnie as a “forceful monster” following the sentencing. In a statement released by law firm Digby Brown, she expressed relief at finally receiving justice after two years of turmoil. She portrayed McBurnie as someone who presented a charming facade to the public but was dangerous behind the scenes, indicating that the attempted murder was an act of control driven by his losing grip on her.
McBurnie’s ex-girlfriend encouraged others experiencing domestic abuse not to suffer in silence and emphasized the importance of seeking help. The court heard that McBurnie had been drinking heavily on the day of the attack, culminating in his reckless and violent actions. His sentencing included non-harassment orders preventing him from contacting the victims and a driving ban for 16-and-a-half years.
Moira Orr from the Crown Office condemned McBurnie’s actions as extremely reckless and highlighted the trauma inflicted on the victims. She urged other victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek support, reinforcing the commitment to prosecuting such crimes. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of breaking the silence to seek help.
The harrowing ordeal faced by Zoe Turnbull and her mother underscores the need for awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse. The sentencing of William McBurnie brings a semblance of justice to the victims, but the emotional and physical scars of the attack will likely be long-lasting. It is crucial for individuals in abusive situations to know that help is available and that they are not alone in their struggle.