Lee Milne, 40, from Dundee, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of culpable homicide in the death of his wife, Kimberly Milne. The case is considered a legal milestone as it is the first time a jury in Britain has convicted someone of killing an ex-partner through prolonged domestic abuse without physically causing their death.
Kimberly, 28, died in July 2023 after jumping from a bridge over the A90 road. The court heard that on the night of her death, she was seen 'distraught' and 'trapped' in Milne's arms shortly before the incident. Milne was subject to bail conditions banning him from contacting her at the time.
The trial at the High Court in Glasgow heard that Milne subjected Kimberly to repeated physical and psychological abuse, including choking, controlling her finances, and isolating her from her family. In one incident, she slept with a knife under her pillow out of fear. When she tried to end the relationship, Milne threatened to kill himself.
Sentencing Milne, Judge Lady Drummond said he posed a 'high risk of further offending' and imposed an additional three years on licence. She described Kimberly as a 'much-loved daughter, sister and aunt' and noted that her family was devastated. The judge said Milne had minimised aspects of his abusive conduct despite admitting some of it.
Milne's defence argued that Kimberly had a history of mental health issues and that Milne had suffered childhood trauma. However, the judge stated that Kimberly had 'reached a point of despair' and that Milne knew she was in distress. The conviction marks a significant legal development in Scotland, where culpable homicide is equivalent to manslaughter in England and Wales.
