Zoe Turnbull, 46, has won a compensation payout against William McBurnie after the violent thug rammed his car through a funeral parlour.
Horror CCTV footage captured the terrifying moment a former police officer ploughed his car into his ex-partner’s funeral directors business while she was inside with her elderly mum. Zoe Turnbull has won a compensation payout against William McBurnie after the violent thug rammed his car through a funeral parlour.
McBurnie, 58, narrowly missed the 46-year-old and her 71-year-old mother, Beverly, after he drove his vehicle at speed through the building during a booze-fuelled rage. McBurnie was jailed for 11 years after he pleaded guilty to the attempted murders of the pair at the High Court in Livingston in 2024.
Footage of the shocking incident showed McBurnie’s vehicle approaching the shop at an alarming speed. The motor then ploughed through the window of Zoe’s shop. Zoe and her mother can be seen diving against a wall at the side of the room the vehicle narrowly misses smashing into both women.
Debris can be seen flying through the shop as the car smashes through the glass front. McBurnie can then be seen getting out of the car before making an exit. Zoe was left with hearing loss and injuries to her back and legs and, with the help of Digby Brown, she launched a legal action against McBurnie. Her solicitors have now confirmed to the Record that the case has been settled.
The amount Zoe received is unknown but Mairi Day, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, confirmed the legal action against the disgraced former police officer had ended. She said: “What happened to Zoe and her mother was life-changing – 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.”
Speaking after sentencing in 2024, Zoe described McBurnie as a “forceful monster” as she welcomed the jail term handed down by the judge. She 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 some 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.
“That man has shamed himself, the police service and his family – objectively, after what he did, jail really is the only place for him. I am grateful to everyone who supported us from the community to the NHS to the police and prosecutors who put him behind bars.
“My mother and I now hope to put this painful chapter behind us so we request our privacy is respected as we move forwards. But as a final note I’d just like to say to anyone suffering from domestic abuse – whether man or woman – please do not feel like you are alone, or trapped or have no options and please don’t wait for the worst to happen before acting. 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.”
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