Man jailed for killing abused wife who jumped from bridge

Man Sentenced for Death of Wife Who Jumped from Bridge

A 39-year-old man has received an eight-year prison term for the fatal act of killing his wife, Kimberly Milne, who died after leaping from a motorway bridge. The incident occurred on the A90 in Dundee in July 2023, where she was struck by multiple vehicles. Prosecutors argued that Lee Milne was directly responsible for her death, despite her choosing to jump. This marks the first instance in Scotland of a conviction for culpable homicide under such circumstances.

Domestic Abuse as a Key Factor

The trial revealed that the abuse against Kimberly began shortly after their relationship in late 2021 and continued through their marriage in September 2022. Milne was also convicted of domestic abuse at multiple locations in the city. Evidence included accounts of emotional and physical violence, such as an incident in early 2022 when he choked her. A witness described her being cornered by Milne on the night of her death, cowering against a wall as he shouted and swore at her.

Victim’s Testimony and Coercive Behavior

“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 to shout and swear at me,” Kimberly said to police before her death.

Additional incidents, like Milne yanking her by the hair and later apologizing, underscored his pattern of control. In late 2022, Kimberly claimed she found out he was allegedly cheating, which led to him hitting her head, causing her to fall unconscious. CCTV footage from the trial showed her hesitating and trailing behind him as he drove toward her, reinforcing the severity of his actions.

Accountability and Legal Context

Following the trial, it was noted that Milne had been added to the sex offenders’ register after a 2024 conviction for sexually assaulting two boys. The court heard testimony from his wife’s mother, Lynne Bruce, who recounted how Milne arrived at her house after Kimberly’s death, insisting she had “pulled the steering wheel and crashed the car” before jumping to her fate. Det Chf Insp Craig Kelly, who oversaw the case, stated Milne was “a violent bully” who used coercive tactics to dominate Kimberly.

Witnesses described Milne’s aggressive behavior, emphasizing Kimberly’s fear of him. The prosecution highlighted that he never fully accepted responsibility, instead blaming her vulnerabilities. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse or violence, assistance is available through BBC Action Line.