Former police officer turned local newspaper photographer jailed following attempted murder bid
Last updated 10th Oct 2024
A former police officer turned local newspaper photographer who tried to kill his former partner and her elderly mother after she dumped him, by driving his car through the window of her funeral directors business in the Scottish Borders, has today (Thursday) been jailed for 11 years.
Forty-six-year-old Zoe Turnbull and her mum, Beverly, who's 71, had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by the silver Suzuki driven by William McBurnie.
He accelerated at speed over a give way junction before mounting the pavement, crashing through two large flower planters, and into the glass fronted office.
The High Court in Livingston heard how the 57-year-old had refused to believe the relationship was over, bombarding the undertaker with incessant texts, emails and messages in the months leading up to the terrifying incident in Jedburgh on December 7th, 2022.
Passing sentence, judge Lord Mulholland said: "You were a former police officer and you have a criminal conviction for driving whilst intoxicated. You would have been aware therefore that you should not be driving intoxicated.
"You turned a mode of transport, your vehicle, into a lethal weapon and used it with devastating effect.
"Your criminal conduct has had a significant and detrimental effect on both women and you should be ashamed for what you did."
And he added: "Your conduct was so cowardly, selfish and reckless that it could easily have killed her and her mother who was also present. You are fortunate that you are not in the dock facing a charge of murder."
McBurnie had woken up at 6am on the day of the collision and drank a third of a litre bottle of whisky before driving into town to complete an errand.
His former partner later saw him sitting at the junction opposite her funeral director business and expressed concern to her mother, who suggested she lock the door.
As his vehicle approached, his former partner was standing beside her desk while her mother had gone towards the office door, which had frosted glass.
The complainer noticed the car approaching and yelled at her mother: “He’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming through the window.”
She turned away from the oncoming vehicle and pinned herself against the wall of the office.
The car narrowly missed the women, who were both injured as a result, with one being hit by debris.
The office desk was hit with such force that it was embedded in the back wall.
McBurnie, who sustained a minor friction burn on his wrist, was heard to then say: “Sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.”
McBurnie has today been given a 13-year extended sentence with 11 years in custody.
Non-harassment orders, preventing him from contacting or attempting to contact the two women, were granted for an indefinite period.
He was also disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of 16-and-a-half years.
Welcoming the sentence, Zoe, in a statement, said: "Finally, after two years of physical, emotional and practical chaos, we have justice.
"McBurnie was the Jekyll and Hyde of Jedburgh - charming in public but dangerous behind the scenes.
"I believe the attempt on my life happened because he knew he was losing his grip on me, and this extreme act was a warped and cowardly attempt to control things. He was just a forceful monster who encroached on our lives and used violence to get his own way."
Ms Turnbull lost her hearing in the attack and now has to wear hearing aids.
She also suffered injuries to her back and legs after being hit by flying debris, while her mum's health has also deteriorated.
Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “This was an extremely reckless act which could have had devastating consequences had it not been for the swift actions of William McBurnie’s former partner.
“Our thoughts and best wishes remain with both women as they continue to deal with the lasting trauma caused by this individual.
“McBurnie is a domestic abuser who will now face the consequences of his actions. I hope this conviction reaffirms our commitment to prosecuting crimes of this nature.
“I would encourage all victims or witnesses of similar offending to come forward, report their experiences and seek support.”