Woman Awarded Compensation Following Ex-Partner's Violent Funeral Parlour Attack
A woman whose former partner attempted to murder her and her mother by deliberately driving a car into the funeral home where she worked has successfully secured a compensation payout. The civil action brought by Zoe Turnbull against her ex-partner, former police officer William McBurnie, has now concluded with an undisclosed settlement.
Violent Incident at Jedburgh Funeral Directors
The horrific attack occurred on December 7, 2022, at Zoe Turnbull Funeral Directors in Market Place, Jedburgh. McBurnie, then 57 years old, admitted to driving his vehicle "at speed" directly through the window of the premises where his former partner was working. The car narrowly missed both Zoe Turnbull and her mother Beverly Turnbull, though both women sustained injuries from flying debris during the terrifying incident.
McBurnie was subsequently sentenced at the High Court in Livingston in October 2024, receiving an extended 13-year sentence comprising 11 years in custody followed by two years of supervised release upon his eventual freedom. During sentencing, Lord Mulholland described how McBurnie had transformed his vehicle into a "lethal weapon and used it with devastating effect."
Civil Case Settlement Confirmed
Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Ms. Turnbull throughout the legal proceedings, confirmed that the civil action against McBurnie has now reached its conclusion. Mairi Day, partner at the law firm, stated: "What happened to Zoe and her mother was life-changing – they suffered physical and emotional harm that will likely impact them both forever."
While the exact financial details of the settlement remain confidential, Day emphasized that the resolution of both criminal and civil proceedings should allow Turnbull to "finally close this distressing chapter and focus on a positive future." The solicitor respected her client's request for privacy regarding the specifics of the civil action while confirming the case had been settled.
Victim's Powerful Statement About Domestic Abuse
Following the criminal sentencing, Zoe Turnbull issued a powerful statement describing McBurnie as the "Jekyll and Hyde of Jedburgh – charming in public but dangerous behind the scenes." She characterized him as a "forceful monster who encroached on our lives and used violence to get his own way."
Turnbull used her experience to urge others in similar situations to seek help before circumstances escalate to violence. "You have a voice and there are so many people around you ready to listen – and act – so you can get the help you need," she advised, highlighting the importance of early intervention in domestic abuse cases.
Background of the Perpetrator
William McBurnie previously served with the Police Service of Northern Ireland before committing this violent crime. During his sentencing hearing, his defense counsel Gareth Jones KC indicated that the former police officer felt "significant remorse" for his actions and was "appalled" by his own behavior. Despite these expressions of regret, the court imposed a substantial prison sentence reflecting the severity of the attempted murder charges to which McBurnie pleaded guilty.
The case highlights both the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the legal avenues available to victims seeking justice and compensation following traumatic experiences. The settlement represents a form of closure for Turnbull after enduring both the physical attack and subsequent lengthy legal proceedings.
