In a landmark decision, the grieving family of a student who tragically ended her life following a series of brutal assaults by her boyfriend has been authorized to proceed with a compensation lawsuit against the perpetrator. The Court of Session, led by Lord Harrower, has opened the path for the family to seek damages from Angus Milligan, whose abusive actions deeply impacted Emily before her untimely death.
Milligan, once a student at Aberdeen University, faced the consequences of his actions in July 2017 when he was sentenced to 180 hours of community service. His guilty plea to charges of assault unveiled a harrowing narrative of abuse, including sending menacing texts and physically assaulting Emily in a fit of jealousy at her student accommodation. Emily’s aspirations of pursuing a law degree at Aberdeen University were cut short just six months into her journey, overshadowed by the ordeal she faced, reported The Sun.
The devastating turn of events led Emily to take her own life, a decision her family firmly attributes to Milligan’s reprehensible conduct. In a significant judicial development, Lord Harrower’s written judgment acknowledged the family’s quest for justice, permitting the lawsuit for compensation to move forward. The intricacies of the case, particularly the direct linkage of Milligan’s abuse to Emily’s death, will be scrutinized as the lawsuit unfolds, marking a critical juncture in the family’s pursuit of accountability.
Milligan’s background, marked by his education at prestigious institutions including Fettes College, did little to temper his actions, which were characterized by aggression and dominance. His attack on Emily at the Hillhead Halls of Residence in March 2016 marked the beginning of a tumultuous period that ultimately led to her tragic demise. Despite the commencement of their relationship under seemingly normal circumstances, it rapidly deteriorated, culminating in violence and despair.
The aftermath of the court proceedings unveiled the depth of Milligan’s abuse, with Emily’s parents, Fiona and Germain Drouet, vocalizing the profound impact of his actions on their daughter’s vulnerability. The revelation of Milligan as a manipulative abuser brought to light the stark reality of the circumstances leading up to Emily’s decision to end her life.
Fiona Drouet’s reflections on the ordeal emphasize the stark contrast between Emily’s aspirations for justice and the grim outcome of her journey. Yet, in the wake of the court’s decision to allow the compensation claim to proceed, there emerges a glimmer of hope for a legal reckoning, deemed by Emily’s mother as her “first legal victory.” This case not only represents a significant step towards justice for Emily and her family but also underscores the broader implications of addressing and rectifying the consequences of abusive relationships.
