An abusive husband who murdered his spouse after she left him over his coercive behaviour has been jailed for at least 24 years.
John Lizanec, 49, slit mum-of-three Michelle’s throat with a knife after which hid the 44-year-old’s physique in an airing cabinet at his house in Perthshire.
He then fled to his mom’s home in Dundee, the place he sparked a siege after arming himself with one other knife.
The former soldier had denied homicide and as an alternative claimed Ms Lizanec had taken her personal life.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, choose Lord Fairley acknowledged: “The evidence showed you to be an abusive bully and like all bullies you are a coward.”
The deadly assault occurred at Lizanec’s house in Inchture on 13 February 2021.
Lizanec was jailed for all times and ordered to spend no less than 24 years behind bars.
Lord Fairley warned him: “It is perfectly possible you will never be released.”
In a letter to the sufferer’s father whereas remanded in custody, Lizanec wrote that his spouse was “so depressed and hurting” and claimed that she was struggling by the menopause on the time of her demise.
However, William Dewar instructed jurors his daughter was “elated” when she signed papers for a brand new home to flee from Lizanec and he’d by no means seen her “so happy”.
The court docket heard that on the day of the homicide, Ms Lizanec had deliberate to present Lizanec a elevate earlier than occurring to her new house.
The couple’s personal youngsters additionally instructed the court docket of the “toxic” environment within the household house.
Daughter Ebony, 27, stated her father was “extremely abusive mentally and emotionally” in direction of her mom.
She claimed: “He would isolate her so she did not have any friends. She did not have anyone to speak to.
“The solely time she would go away the home was to stroll the canines.”
Ms Lizanec, who had contacted Women’s Aid for support, was not allowed to dress in the way that she wanted.
Lizanec monitored messages on her phone and iPad, and threatened to harm her two dogs, her family and any future new partner.
The court heard that Lizanec had told one of his children that he had “one thing large deliberate” for their mother on Valentine’s Day, although he did not reveal details.
Lizanec claimed in evidence that he did not slit his wife’s throat, saying: “I liked her. I did not hate her.”
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Lizanec was discovered responsible of homicide, abusive behaviour, trying to defeat the ends of justice, and behaving in a threatening or abusive method.
Lord Fairley stated he had watched Lizanec all through the trial and his clear impression was that the one particular person for whom he expressed any sorrow or regret was himself.
Speaking outdoors court docket, Lizanec’s daughter Ebony stated: “I’m glad we finally got justice and can show what kind of person he actually is.”
The former vogue scholar additionally stated the sentence would assist the household transfer on.
She added: “I think it will take time but at least it’s done – we’ve waited [almost] three years for this.
“Right now, it is life-changing for us to get him convicted on all 5 expenses. It’s what we wished.
“We can actually now progress with our lives and get on with it and enjoy it again – it’s 100% relief. We could not be happier.”
Police Scotland praised the sufferer’s household for exhibiting “great courage and dignity” in the course of the trial.
Detective Inspector Gary Lamb stated: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for Michelle’s family and friends who have been deeply affected by her tragic and needless death.
“Our ideas stay very a lot with Michelle’s family members as they proceed to come back to phrases with their loss. I hope this conviction will assist to carry them a point of consolation.”
Scottish Women’s Aid: Support is obtainable 24 hours, seven days every week. Call 0800 027 1234.
Source: information.sky.com”