Domestic abuser who murdered partner with hammer in Aberdeen is jailed

A man who murdered his partner with a claw hammer in his home in Aberdeen while banned from approaching her has been jailed for a minimum of 22 years.

Joseph Greer, 40, was wearing an electronic tag when he attacked 54-year-old Samantha Lee in January in a “prolonged and violent” assault.

He previously admitted murder at the High Court in Glasgow in June.

Judge Lord Renucci told Greer he “could not imagine a worst example of domestic abuse”, which he said was a “scourge on society”.

The judge said: “In inflicting those injuries, you deprived three adult children of their much-loved mother.”

Lord Renucci added that a social work report on Greer made “worrying reading”, and that even though he had admitted his guilt, Greer exhibited a “degree of victim blaming”.

Prosecutors said Lee’s death showed “the devastating impact violence against women and girls can have”.

This story contains details that readers may find distressing.