Kimberley Milne jumped to her death in Scotland in July 2023, but prosecutors in the landmark case said Friday that she was driven to do so by her husband’s physical abuse.
Lee Milne, 40, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty at Glasgow High Court of manslaughter and disorderly conduct. It was the first case in which Scottish prosecutors asked judges to find an abusive partner responsible for the death of a victim who took her own life.
“Lee Milne physically and psychologically abused Kimberly,” said prosecutor Laura Buchan. “He deliberately and cruelly exploited Kimberly’s vulnerability, which makes him culpable for his decision to take his own life.”
Prosecutors presented evidence of physical and emotional abuse and control that Lee Milne used during their 18-month marriage until his death on July 27, 2023, in Dundee, Scotland.
Milne had grabbed his wife by the neck, choked her, dragged her, restrained her, punched her and knocked her unconscious. He despised her and tried to separate her from the family. He prevented her from getting money and transportation and locked her in their house without food.
“Domestic violence is rarely about one incident,” Judge Lorna Drummond said. “It is not only about acts of violence, it includes more subtleties, but nevertheless as harm, power and control in the relationship. And it builds up over time, each act, be it physical, psychological or financial, adds to the other. Increasing pressure and fear, weakening courage and freedom.”
The family said in a statement read to the court that they were devastated by the death of the “much-loved” daughter, sister and aunt.
