Trigger warning: This article references domestic abuse and suicide.
A 40-year-old man, Lee Milne, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by the High Court in Glasgow after a jury found him guilty in March of culpable homicide for driving his wife to take her own life.
Milne’s wife, 28-year-old Kimberly (sometimes reported as Kimberly Bruce), died after jumping from a bridge in Dundee on July 27, 2023. The couple had been married for about 18 months.
Prosecutors told the court that Milne subjected Kimberly to sustained physical, psychological and financial abuse. The charges included incidents in which she was allegedly choked, dragged and punched until she lost consciousness, as well as episodes in which she was locked in their flat without food and denied access to money.
CCTV shown at trial captured confrontations on the day of her death, including footage of Milne shouting at Kimberly inside a Dundee supermarket. Another clip showed a car moving toward her before veering away; she went on to jump from a nearby bridge minutes later.
Prosecutor Laura Buchan said the evidence showed the abuse was a significant contributing factor in Kimberly’s death, arguing Milne had exploited her vulnerabilities and that his conduct made him culpable for her decision to end her life.
The case was reported to be the first in Scotland to ask jurors to decide whether one spouse could be criminally responsible for the suicide of their partner.
Passing sentence, Judge Lorna Drummond described domestic abuse as a pattern of conduct, not a single incident. She said the harm caused by repeated physical, psychological and financial control builds over time, increasing pressure, fear and loss of independence — and that Milne must be held responsible not only for the abusive acts themselves but also for causing Kimberly’s death.
Kimberly’s sister told the court she had urged her sibling to leave months earlier, but Kimberly replied that Milne had threatened he would “do himself in without me.” The couple had briefly separated but were still seen together on the day she died. Members of Kimberly’s family attended the sentencing hearing and described her as “one in a million,” saying they were devastated by the loss.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, please seek professional help. International resources and helplines are available at https://befrienders.org/.
Edited by: Alex Berry