A woman who beat a man to death with a kettle has been jailed for a minimum of 18 years.

Elizabeth Ann Sweeney, 36, had denied murdering Neil Jolly, 49, in Aberdeen in June 2023.

Mr Jolly was repeatedly punched and struck with the kettle in the attack at Marischal Court high rise block in the city’s Castlegate area.

Sweeney lodged a special defence of self defence, but a jury returned a unanimous murder verdict after a 10-day trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.

She was given a mandatory life sentence for murder and told she will serve a minimum of 18 years before she can be released on parole.

The trial had heard that police discovered Mr Jolly’s body at the flat after Sweeney phoned them on 26 June 2023.

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”.

Det Insp William Murdoch of Police Scotland said: “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.”

Sweeney was acquitted of other charges, including attempting to defeat the ends of justice. (BBC)