Domestic abuser who murdered partner with hammer jailed for life

A man who murdered his partner in a hammer attack after breaching a court order banning him from going near her has been jailed for life.

Joseph Greer, 40, was wearing an electronic tag when he repeatedly struck mum-of-three Samantha Lee at his flat in Aberdeen in January.

The body of the 54-year-old was discovered after Greer admitted to a friend that she was dead inside the property.

Greer, who is originally from Coventry, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow in June.

At the High Court in Dundee on Friday, he has been ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years in custody before he can be considered for parole.

History of violence

The couple had been in a relationship since 2021, but the court heard Greer had a history of domestic violence against Ms Lee, including a serious assault on October 14, 2025.

At the time of the fatal attack, Greer was subject to a court order banning him from approaching the mum. He was also on a curfew and monitored by an electronic tag.

Ms Lee was last heard from on January 1, 2026, before her body was found in her partner’s kitchen on January 4.

Evidence showed that Greer repeatedly struck her on the head and body with a claw hammer, causing fatal injuries.

After an acquaintance of the couple raised the alarm with the police, Greer left the property before being traced and arrested by officers.

Laura Buchan, legal director at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said: “Joseph Greer carried out a brutal and sustained attack on Samantha Lee before failing to raise the alarm. This is a tragic case where domestic abuse escalated to murder.

“Samantha was a much-loved mother, sister, auntie and nanny. Her family have lost someone who meant so much to them, and they have been deprived of years of precious memories together.

“Samantha’s death is a stark reminder of the devastating impact violence against women and girls can have.

“Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to use every legal tool available to hold those responsible for domestic abuse to account.”