Ex-Partner Jailed for Attempted Murder at Funeral Home
A woman whose ex-partner was imprisoned for attempting to kill her and her mother by driving his vehicle through a funeral home window has secured a compensation settlement.
William McBurnie, a former police officer, received an 11-year prison sentence at the High Court in Livingston in October 2024.
In December 2022, McBurnie drove his car at high speed through the front window of Zoe Turnbull's office in Jedburgh, several months after she ended their relationship.
Her legal representatives at Digby Brown have confirmed that her civil claim against McBurnie has been resolved with an undisclosed financial settlement.
During sentencing, Judge Lord Mullholland stated that McBurnie had used his car as a "lethal weapon" and described his actions as "cowardly and reckless."
Background of the Incident and Relationship
The court heard that McBurnie had formed a relationship with Turnbull but she ended it during the summer of 2022.
McBurnie had relocated from Northern Ireland, where he served as a police officer in Belfast, and was working as a freelance press photographer in Jedburgh at the time.
On the morning of 7 December 2022, McBurnie had been drinking and was nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit when he drove at speed through the window of the town centre funeral home.
The vehicle narrowly missed both Turnbull and her 71-year-old mother, Beverley, but both sustained life-altering injuries.
The court was presented with CCTV footage from inside the funeral directors, which showed the incident after McBurnie pleaded guilty.
His solicitor stated that McBurnie had expressed "genuine remorse" for his actions and had only a vague recollection of the event.
Victim's Statement and Legal Resolution
Following sentencing, Turnbull described McBurnie as the "Jekyll and Hyde of Jedburgh - charming in public but dangerous behind the scenes."
She described him as a "forceful monster" and said she and her mother hoped to put the "painful chapter" behind them.
She also urged anyone in a similar situation to speak up and get help.
Mairi Day, a partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, confirmed the conclusion of the legal proceedings against McBurnie.
"What happened to Zoe and her mother was life-changing 6 they suffered physical and emotional harm that will likely impact them both forever.
After everything Zoe has gone through she has understandably requested privacy so I will not discuss the particulars of her civil action other than to confirm the case has now settled.
I hope the end of the criminal and civil proceedings means Zoe can finally close this distressing chapter and focus on a positive future."
