Woman jailed for minimum of 18 years for Aberdeen murder

A woman found guilty of using a kettle to beat a man to death in Aberdeen has been jailed for a minimum of 18 years.

Elizabeth Ann Sweeney, 36, had denied murdering Neil Jolly in the Marischal Court high rise block in June 2023.

The 49-year-old was said to have been punched as well as being repeatedly struck on the head and body with a kettle, or unknown implement.

A jury previously returned a unanimous murder verdict after a 10-day trial. Judge Andrew Miller jailed her for life at the High Court in Aberdeen.

The trial had heard that police officers discovered Mr Jolly’s body at the flat in the Castlegate area of the city.

This was after Sweeney had phoned them on 26 June 2023.

Prosecutors claimed she had beaten him about the head and body with a kettle.

Sweeney had lodged a special defence of self defence, however, the jury found her guilty of murder.

Sentencing was deferred for reports, before the judge could decide the minimum term she would spend in prison as part of a life sentence.

Sweeney was acquitted of other charges during the trial, including attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Defence counsel David Moggach said Sweeney had at one time worked in a nursing home which he said suggested a “caring side” to her personality.

But he said drink and drugs had blighted her life.

On the day in question she had woken and formed a belief she was in danger, and launched the fatal attack.

Judge Andrew Miller said the victim suffered numerous injuries, which would be more expected to be seen from a car crash or a fall from height.

He said Mr Jolly’s family had suffered an “enormous loss”.

Following the sentencing, Det Insp William Murdoch of Police Scotland said: “We acknowledge this conviction and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Neil Jolly at what continues to be a difficult time for them.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community and wider public for their assistance during this investigation.”