Man jailed for killing abused wife who jumped from bridge
Man Sentenced for Wife’s Death After Self-Harm from Bridge
Lee Milne, 40, has received an eight-year prison sentence for the death of his wife, Kimberly Milne, who was struck by multiple vehicles on a Dundee motorway bridge in July 2023. The incident marked the first time in Scotland a partner was prosecuted for causing the death of someone who took their own life due to domestic abuse. The jury found Milne guilty of culpable homicide and a separate charge of abusing Kimberly at several properties in the city.
Abusive Behavior Leading to Tragedy
Prosecutors highlighted that Kimberly endured severe violence from Milne over 18 months before her death. The trial revealed instances of emotional and physical abuse, including an attack in early 2022 where Milne choked her. Prior to her death, Kimberly told police:
“Lee and I were in his home, and he went through my phone. He saw messages from other men before we were together. He got angry and started shouting and swearing at me.”
Another incident involved Milne pulling her by the hair to the ground, followed by apologies that claimed he was “not that type of guy.”
Final Moments and Evidence of Control
On the night of her death, Kimberly noticed a man and woman arguing outside a Dundee flooring store. The witness described the man as “trapping” the woman against the wall, with her appearing “cowering, scared” and “not doing much.” CCTV footage showed her retreating from Milne, who shouted at her while driving toward her, forcing her to hide behind a wall. The jury heard Kimberly’s mother, Lynne Bruce, describe how Milne arrived at her home the day after the death, claiming Kimberly had “pulled the steering wheel and crashed the car” before jumping onto the bridge.
Context and Precedent
The case set a legal precedent in Scotland, as Milne was held responsible despite Kimberly’s self-inflicted act. Det Chf Insp Craig Kelly praised the conviction, stating:
“He is a violent bully who used emotional and physical abuse to exert coercive control. Witnesses described him as extremely aggressive, and Kimberly clearly feared him.”
Kelly also noted Milne’s lack of accountability, as he shifted blame to Kimberly’s “vulnerabilities.”
Though this was Scotland’s first such prosecution, similar cases have occurred in England. In 2017, Nicholas Allen was jailed for 10 years after his ex-girlfriend killed herself due to his controlling behavior. In 2018, Steven Gane was convicted of “driving his partner to suicide” through domestic abuse, though an inquest later confirmed his responsibility for her unlawful killing. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) called the case “landmark,” emphasizing its role in addressing whether domestic abuse can lead to criminal liability for a partner’s actions.
