A 40-year-old man has been jailed for eight years in Scotland's Glasgow High Court for culpable homicide and abusive behaviour after his wife jumped to her death. Prosecutors said Lee Milne's physical and psychological abuse drove Kimberley Milne to suicide on July 27, 2023, in Dundee. It marks the first such case in Scotland holding an abusive spouse responsible for a victim's suicide.
Lee Milne, 40, was sentenced to eight years in Glasgow’s High Court on Friday for culpable homicide and engaging in abusive behaviour toward his wife, Kimberley Milne, over their 18-month marriage. Prosecutors argued his actions drove her to jump from a bridge in Dundee, Scotland, on July 27, 2023.
“Lee Milne physically and psychologically abused Kimberly,” prosecutor Laura Buchan said. “He deliberately and ruthlessly exploited Kimberly’s vulnerabilities, which makes him culpable for her decision to end her own life.” Evidence included grabbing her by the neck, choking, dragging, punching and knocking her unconscious, as well as belittling her, isolating her from family, limiting money and transport, and locking her in their flat without food.
“Domestic abuse is rarely about one incident,” Judge Lorna Drummond said. “It’s not only about violent acts, it includes more subtle, but nonetheless as harmful, exertions of power and control in a relationship. And it builds over time, each act, whether physical, psychological or financial, adds to the next. Increasing pressure and fear, eroding confidence and independence.”
The family issued a statement in court, saying they were devastated by the death of their “much-loved” daughter, sister and aunt. The case is a landmark for Scottish prosecutors.