MEARNS MAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPT TO MURDER WIFE WITH VAN
A man has been found guilty of attempting to murder his wife by striking her with his van in a field near their Mearns home.Alan Johnston, who also threatened to set the woman alight, stood trial at the High Court in Dundee and was convicted after jurors deliberated for nearly a day and a half.
The 62-year-old struck his partner with a Maxus van in a field close to their marital cottage at Fordoun.
Johnston, a domestic abuser, had previously restricted her movement within the property and tried to block its sale.
He will remain in custody as social workers prepare a report on him before sentencing.
The jury unanimously convicted Johnston of a campaign of domestic abuse from June 2020 until the attempted murder on March 4, 2024.
During this period, he shouted at her, made derogatory remarks, poured water on her, hit her on the head, dictated her movements, and controlled her access to the internet.
Johnston threatened her with violence and made attempts to prevent the sale of their cottage, including parking his vehicle nearby, watching her, and revving his engine.
He had previously appeared in Aberdeen Sheriff Court and was released on bail, but then attempted to kill her.
On March 4, he drove his van into her in the field, then pursued her, grabbing her hair and threatening to set her on fire.
He had been subject to a domestic abuse interdict issued in Aberdeen for four months, which he breached.
Johnston’s only prior conviction was for non-domestic assault in 2006.
He has been remanded at HMP Grampian since March 6 of the previous year.
Sentencing is deferred to October 14 at the High Court in Edinburgh when background reports will be considered.
