Man who hit estranged wife with van and threatened to set her on fire in murder bid jailed for eight years

A man who hit his estranged wife with a van after a campaign of domestic abuse has been jailed for eight years.

Alan Johnston, of Laurencekirk, was found guilty of three charges at the High Court in Dundee on September 11.

The court heard how the 62-year-old had become increasing abusive towards the victim as he lost control of her during the relationship.

Johnston would restrict her access to the internet, dictate what rooms she was allowed into at their home and pour 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.

His offending came to a head when he attempted to murder the woman by hitting her with his van on March 4 last year.

An eyewitness told the court how Johnston then assaulted the injured woman before threatening to set her on fire using petrol.

He was also found guilty of breaching a civil domestic abuse interdict, which the victim had obtained to keep herself safe from her estranged husband.

His offending was aggravated due to it involving the abuse of a former partner over the course of almost four years.

Johnston was given a ten-year extended sentence with eight years in custody. An indefinite non-harassment order was also granted.

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

“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.

“You will be listened to and supported by our trauma-informed staff as we seek to use all the tools available to seek justice.”