Jail for man who murdered wife after she left him

A man who murdered his wife after she left him over his coercive behaviour has been jailed for a minimum of 24 years.

John Lizanec attacked his wife, Michelle, with a knife in Perthshire on 13 February 2021.

At the High Court in Edinburgh he was sentenced to life and told he must serve at least 24 years before he can apply for parole.

Judge Lord Fairley told him it was possible he would "never be released".

Lizanec, a former soldier, had denied murdering the mother-of-three at his home in Inchture and claimed she took her own life.

The 49-year-old barricaded himself inside his mother's home in Dundee the day after the killing, having attempted to hide his wife's body in a cupboard and refused to leave when police arrived.

In a letter to the victim's father, Lizanec wrote that Michelle, 44, was "so depressed and hurting" and maintained that she was suffering through the menopause at the time of her death.

However, Michelle's father said his daughter had been "elated" when she signed papers for her new house having told Lizanec she was moving out.

The couple's own children also told of the "toxic" atmosphere in the family home while they lived there together, with one explaining they "walked on eggshells" around their father.

Lizanec was found to have dressed and monitored Michelle's calls and messages as well as threatening to harm her two pet dogs, her family and any future new partner.

Michelle had contacted a charity for support on her abusive relationship before leaving the home.

The court heard that Lizanec had told one of his children that he had "something big planned" for their mother on Valentine's Day, although he did not reveal details.

He was found guilty of murder, abusive behaviour, attempting to defeat the ends of justice and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Lord Fairley said he had watched Lizanec throughout the trial and his clear impression was that the only person for whom he expressed any sorrow or remorse was himself.

Members of Lizanec's family spoke of their "relief' after Lizanec was found guilty of murder.

Speaking outside the High Court in Edinburgh, Lizanec's daughter Ebony said: "I'm glad we finally got justice and can show what kind of person he actually is."

The former fashion student also said the sentence would help her and her family move on.

She added: "I think it will take time but at least it's done - we've waited three years for this. Right now, it's life changing for us to get him convicted on all five charges. It's what we wanted.

"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 praised the victim's family for showing "great courage and dignity" during the trial.

Det Insp Gary Lamb said: "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 thoughts remain very much with Michelle's loved ones as they continue to come to terms with their loss. I hope this conviction will help to bring them some degree of comfort."