Abusive husband sentenced to 8 years in prison for wife’s suicide in Scotland

A general view of Glasgow High Court on Feb. 27, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

LONDON — Kimberley Milne jumped to her death in Scotland in July 2023, but prosecutors in a landmark case said Friday that she was driven to do it by her husband’s physical abuse.

Lee Milne, 40, was sentenced to eight years in prison following his conviction in Glasgow’s High Court for culpable homicide and engaging in abusive behaviour. It was the first case in which Scottish prosecutors asked jurors to find an abusive spouse responsible for the death of a victim who takes their own life.

“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.”

Prosecutors presented evidence of the physical and emotional abuse and control that Lee Milne exerted during their 18-month married life leading up to the death on July 27, 2023, in Dundee, Scotland.

Milne had grabbed his wife by the neck, choked her, dragged her around, restrained her, punched her and knocked her unconscious. He belittled her and tried to distance her from family. He limited her access to money and transportation and locked her in their apartment 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 said in a statement read in court that they were devastated by the death of the “much-loved” daughter, sister and aunt.

Four months before she died at age 28, Kimberly Milne was encouraged by her sister to leave her husband.

“How can I leave him if he’s saying he’s gonna do himself in without me,” she texted back.

By the time of her death, Milne had split up with his wife, but the two were seen together on surveillance video on Kimberly Milne’s final day.

In one video, her husband can be seen speeding his car at her from behind in a parking lot and swerving to miss her at the last moment. He then turned and drove at her before hitting the brakes.

A short while later, she walked to a nearby bridge and threw herself on the highway below.

“By the jury’s verdict, you must bear responsibility not only for all of your abusive acts, but also for causing her death,” Drummond said.

Brian Melley, The Associated Press

If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with mental illness, here are some resources that are available.

Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338)

Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)

Kids Help Phone [phone])

If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.