Domestic abuser jailed after wife’s suicide in Scottish legal first

A domestic abuser has been jailed for culpable homicide after his partner jumped to her death from a road bridge in a legal first.

Lee Milne subjected Kimberley Milne, 28, to sustained abuse before her death in Dundee three years ago.

He has now been sentenced to eight years imprisonment in a landmark result.

Prosecutor Laura Buchan, legal director at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “This prosecution sought to answer a complex question – can a partner be held criminally responsible for the death of a victim who has taken their own life following a course of domestic abuse?  

“Lee Milne physically and psychologically abused Kimberly Bruce and our evidence showed that this abuse was a significant contributing factor in her death.

“He deliberately and ruthlessly exploited Kimberly’s vulnerabilities which makes him culpable for her decision to end her own life.  

“His coercive and controlling behaviour escalated throughout the relationship. On the night that Kimberly died, his abuse was carried out in full public view.

“Our prosecution demonstrated how women can become trapped in relationships in webs created by an abuser. 

“Today we are thinking of the family and friends of Kimberly who have suffered such a terrible loss and unimaginable trauma.”

Milne, 39, was found guilty of culpable homicide and a separate charge of domestic abuse. The offending took place at various addresses in Dundee.

The court heard that Kimberly had spoken to police before her death, and text exchanges with her sister discussing the abuse were produced in evidence.

Prosecutors said Milne subjected Kimberly to significant domestic violence in the 18-months leading up to her death in July 2023. She jumped from a road bridge over the A90 and was struck by multiple vehicles.

At the High Court in Glasgow, prosecutors led evidence of Milne’s violent and controlling behaviour towards Kimberly, including violent restraint. Jurors heard that he dragged her around, locked her in their flat without food or money, violently assaulted her and strangled her.

Kimberly suffered from health issues which left her vulnerable to Milne’s manipulation and prosecutors were able to prove that his deliberate abuse of Kimberly was a significant contributing factor in her death.

CCTV footage from around the Kingsway area of Dundee captured his aggressive behaviour towards his wife directly before her suicide.

Kimberly was seen cowering from Milne while he shouted at her, walking away as he drove at her, hiding behind a wall and trailing slowly behind him as he led the way.

Finally they both walked onto a flyover bridge from which she jumped to her death.

Following the trial, it emerged that Milne was placed on the sex offenders' register after being convicted of sexually assaulting two boys in 2024.

His custodial term carries a further three-year sentence extension, during which time he will be subject to close monitoring and supervision.