Every third day, in our #EveryThreeDays campaign, I write about a woman killed by a man. Previously this month, we have remembered Rosemary Gill, Laura Davies and on the 7th of July, Lisa Anthony and her daughter Ava, who was just 14 years old.
Today we remember another woman who, like the victims previously mentioned, all died needlessly.
Carol Milne,59, lived in Clifton Road, Aberdeen, which mainly consists of a row of grey terraced houses with an odd shop or business. When researching the murder of a woman, often I look at the location where the crime took place. Clifton Rd is somewhat dour – with “Manky Maggies” self-service dog wash on the corner of Clifton Rd and Hilton Rd.
Life was exceptionally tough for Carol – her husband Norman had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and also occupying their home was their son Jordan, 29.
As older parents, it is challenging to share a home with anyone, but Carol, like all parents, I guess, wanted to keep a roof over her kids’ heads – so despite being very disruptive, Jordan was tolerated.
But as time went by, Jordan’s behaviour got worse; he demanded money from his parents and started to play loud music – which for us older folks, we would undoubtedly find very difficult to live with.
Issues hit crisis point on the 22nd of June when the Police had to be called because Carol had refused Jordan money – Carol told officers she feared Jordan was going to smash up her car or the house. Just two days later, Carol had to call the Police again, saying Jordan needed to be admitted to a mental hospital. Carol was not listened to – despite her pleas for help. Advice was offered, though – in essence, palming her off to call the NHS.
On the 10th of July 2019 – exactly two years ago today, Carol was killed by Jordan.
Everything seemed reasonably settled that evening; the family watched a wildlife programme on the TV, then Norman decided he was tired and, taking a sleeping pill, went to bed. The exact circumstances leading up to the attack on Carol are not clear, but an argument broke out, which resulted in Carol being stabbed 33 stabbed times to her face, neck, torso, arms and upper back, as well as being scalded from a kettle of boiling water.
Jordan Milne was arrested and admitted to killing his mum – psychiatrists agreed he suffered from a “mental disorder that had the effect of diminishing responsibility.”
No one had listened to Carol’s pleas for help – and Carol paid the ultimate price.
At court Judge Lord Burns deferred sentence on Jordan Milne, sending him to the State Hospital under an interim compulsion order. Jordan’s brother Curtis then issued a statement via Police Scotland – it read:
“The last 19 months have been harrowing. So many questions and not enough answers. How do you explain the feeling of having my mother taken away?
Words will never explain the heartache, the anger, the pain and the sadness this has left behind. It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the guilty plea accepted at court today despite my belief that it is not the right outcome. I have lost my mum and my best friend.
We love and miss her so, so much every day.
I will never forget how amazing she was as my mum, as a wife, a sister and as a friend – and we want everyone to know what a special person she was and that she was taken from us all far too soon. My father dealt with a terminal illness for just under two and a half years.
He was very positive and upbeat despite this, as he had his wife by his side, giving him strength every day. Following the tragic incident, he declined both physically and mentally and had no will to live. Sadly he passed away this month and did not get the chance to see any justice.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Police Scotland for their sympathy and support when I needed it most, as well as every single person who has sent or posted messages of support – this has been a genuine comfort.
Carol Milne.
#EveryThreeDays
Authored by Steph @PlaceSteph
