A woman has been awarded a financial settlement from her former boyfriend, a disgraced ex-police officer, who was sentenced to over a decade in prison for trying to murder her by deliberately crashing his car into the funeral parlour where she worked. The civil case, which concluded recently, resulted in an undisclosed payout to the victim, Zoe Turnbull, following the horrific incident that also targeted her mother.
Vengeful Attack at Funeral Directors
Former Police Service of Northern Ireland officer William McBurnie, aged 57 at sentencing, admitted to attempting to murder Zoe Turnbull and her mother, Beverly Turnbull, in a brutal act of revenge several months after their relationship ended. On December 7, 2022, in Market Place, Jedburgh, southern Scotland, McBurnie drove his vehicle "at speed" through the window of Zoe Turnbull Funeral Directors, aiming directly at the two women.
Zoe Turnbull described McBurnie in court as the "Jekyll and Hyde of Jedburgh," portraying him as charming publicly but dangerously violent privately. She labelled him a "forceful monster who encroached on our lives and used violence to get his own way," highlighting the manipulative and abusive nature of their past relationship.
Terrifying CCTV Footage Reveals Narrow Escape
CCTV footage from inside the parlour captured the terrifying moment of the attack. Beverly had just entered the premises, with Zoe standing across the room, when they noticed a silver car hurtling toward the shop front. Both women flattened themselves against the walls as the vehicle smashed through the window, crumpling the desk where Zoe typically sat into the back wall.
The car missed them by mere inches, but both sustained injuries, with one struck by flying debris. In the chaotic aftermath, the women clambered over the wreckage to escape, while McBurnie climbed out of the car and pursued them, underscoring the immediate danger they faced.
Extended Prison Sentence and Legal Proceedings
In October 2024, at the High Court in Livingston, Lord Mulholland handed McBurnie a 13-year extended sentence, with 11 years to be served behind bars and the remaining two under supervision. The judge remarked that McBurnie had turned his car into a "lethal weapon and used it with devastating effect," emphasising the severity of the premeditated assault.
Following the sentencing, Zoe Turnbull urged others in similar abusive situations to seek help early, stating, "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." Her words aimed to empower victims of domestic violence to come forward before situations escalate dangerously.
Civil Settlement and Victim's Privacy
The civil case against McBurnie, handled by Digby Brown Solicitors, has now been settled for an undisclosed amount. Mairi Day, a partner at the firm, confirmed the resolution, noting that the attack was "life-changing" for Zoe and her mother, causing lasting physical and emotional harm. Day expressed hope that the conclusion of both criminal and civil proceedings would allow Zoe to "finally close this distressing chapter and focus on a positive future," while respecting her request for privacy regarding the settlement details.
During the sentencing hearing, McBurnie's representative, Gareth Jones KC, stated that his client felt "significant remorse" and was "appalled" by his own behaviour, though this did not mitigate the court's decision given the gravity of the crimes. The case highlights broader issues of domestic violence and accountability, particularly involving individuals in positions of authority like law enforcement.
