Man handed life sentence for murdering ex-partner in Edinburgh

A man has been jailed for at least 19 years for murdering his ex-partner after she broke up with him.

Frazer Neil was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday for killing Hannah Dorans.

He lured the 21-year-old to his flat in Hutchison Road in the city by threatening to destroy insurance documents she needed.

Ms Dorans, of Dalkeith in Midlothian, had finished the relationship less than two weeks before but Neil could not accept she had another partner.

The 25-year-old's behaviour was described as "manipulative'' by judge Lady Scott as he "bombarded'' his victim with messages that included threats to take his own life.

It was heard he searched for information about culpable homicide and sentencing the day before killing Ms Dorans.

At his flat on February 11 2017, he sexually assaulted her, strangled her with a cord and murdered her.

He called emergency services after the act and admitted killing her but claimed not to remember what had happened.

Ms Dorans was soon to be trained as a paramedic.

Lady Scott said: "You have been convicted of the murder of Hannah Dorans.

"She was only 21 years old, much loved and full of kindness. Her family is left utterly devastated.

"This was a vicious and violent method of causing death and requires a substantial sentence.''

His lawyer said Neil had "great difficulty'' in coming to terms with the break-up and had shown "genuine remorse'' for killing his ex-partner.

Neil was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years, backdated to January.

The killer will remain on licence and subject to recall for the rest of his life.

Lady Scott admonished Neil for causing distress to his victims' parents, Moira and Keith Dorans, by messaging them over social media while he was on bail on March 1 2017.

In a statement released after sentencing, they said: "No sentence will ever be long enough for us.

"The life of our wonderful daughter was brutally taken from her and our lives are forever changed.

"Hannah was a beautiful person. Her life was ended far too soon but she will never be forgotten by those who loved and cared for her.''

Detective Inspector Stuart Alexander, of Police Scotland's major investigation team, said after sentencing: "My thoughts are with Hannah's family at what is a really difficult time for them.

"Keith and Moira, and their family, have shown tremendous dignity throughout the whole judicial process and the trial.

"The devastating loss of their beloved daughter and their long wait for justice to see Neil sentenced and unable to hurt anyone else has been agonising for them.

"Neil has been shown to be a dangerous and manipulative individual who preyed on Hannah's trusting and caring nature, and we welcome this sentence.

"This conviction will not compensate in any way for their loss but, hopefully, it will give them a degree of comfort that justice has been done."