Domestic abuser jailed for attempted murder

Alan Johnston was jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh

A domestic abuser who attempted to murder his estranged wife has been jailed for eight years.

Alan Johnston, 62, of Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, hit the woman with a van in March last year.

He was also found guilty of breaching a civil domestic abuse interdict.

Johnston was given a 10-year extended sentence, with eight years of that in custody, at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The court heard eyewitness evidence which detailed how, after the van attack, Johnston then assaulted the injured victim, before threatening to set her on fire using petrol.

Prosecutors said he became increasingly abusive towards the victim during their relationship.

This included restricting her access to the internet, dictating what rooms she was allowed into at their home, and pouring water from a kettle over her head.

He also attempted to block the sale of their property and watched her from his parked vehicle while revving the engine.

An indefinite non-harassment order was also granted against Johnston.

'Calculating and controlling'

Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), described Johnston as a "calculating and controlling" domestic abuser whose actions could have had "devastating" consequences.

She added: "Prosecutors were able to demonstrate a course of abusive behaviour which culminated in him attempting to murder his estranged wife with a vehicle.

"Johnston has now been held accountable following this prosecution, which should send a clear message to those who commit this type of offending.

"No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, and I would urge anyone affected to consider reporting your experience when you feel ready, able and safe to do so."