A former Police Service of Northern Ireland officer has settled a civil claim for an undisclosed sum with his ex-partner after receiving an 11-year prison sentence for attempting to murder her and her mother.

William McBurnie, previously a police officer in Belfast, drove his car at speed through the window of Zoe Turnbull Funeral Directors in Jedburgh on 7 December 2022. The incident followed the end of his relationship with Turnbull that summer.

McBurnie was nearly three times over the alcohol limit at the time. His vehicle narrowly missed Turnbull and her 71-year-old mother Beverley, but both sustained life-changing injuries.

At the High Court in Livingston in October 2024, Judge Lord Mulholland sentenced McBurnie to an extended 13-year term, including 11 years in custody and two years supervision. The judge stated McBurnie used his car as a lethal weapon in a cowardly and reckless manner.

Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Turnbull, confirmed the civil case against McBurnie has concluded. Partner Mairi Day noted the women suffered physical and emotional harm with lasting impact.

McBurnie's counsel Gareth Jones KC told the court his client expressed significant remorse and was appalled by his behaviour.