Abusive husband jailed for killing wife who jumped off bridge to escape him

Lee Milne was convicted of culpable homicide over the death of his wife Kimberly who jumped over a bridge railing and fell on to the dual carriageway below (Picture: Mike Gibbons/Spindrift)

‘Lee Milne physically and psychologically abused Kimberly Bruce and our evidence showed that this abuse was a significant contributing factor in her death.

‘He deliberately and ruthlessly exploited Kimberly’s vulnerabilities which makes him culpable for her decision to end her own life.  

‘His coercive and controlling behaviour escalated throughout the relationship. On the night that Kimberly died,his abuse was carried out in full public view.

‘Our prosecution demonstrated how women can become trapped in relationships in webs created by an abuser. 

‘Today we are thinking of the family and friends of Kimberly who have suffered such a terrible loss and unimaginable trauma.’

In the hours leading up to his wife’s death,Milne had been acting aggressively and intimidating towards her.

This included driving erratically when she was in a car with him,shouting at her and seizing hold of her,leaving her terrified.

He was also found guilty of several domestic abuse offences committed against Kimberly between January 2022 and July 2023.

These included physically and verbally abusing her,coercing her to move in with him and marry him,attempting to cut off her contact with friends and family,and controlling her finances.

Kimberly Milne died aged 28 after being struck by multiple vehicles on the A90 in Dundee in July 2023

On one occasion in November 2022 Milne got angry when she asked to be taken home and hit her,causing her to fall and hit her head on a wall,knocking her unconscious.

In May the following year,Milne grabbed her by the throat when she asked to be taken home,and choked her and shouted at her,causing her to run to another room and barricade herself in with a table.

After forcing himself in he repeatedly punched and bit her and threatened to hit her with a mirror that he then threw against a wall.

The judge,Lady Drummond,said that by July 27,Milne had split up with his wife and she was ‘in distress and having difficulties that day’.

Lady Drummond continued: ‘Your response to her that day – driving erratically and at speed whilst she was in the car with you,shouting at her and throwing an item at her,acting aggressively and intimidating her – was further abuse carried out by you at a time when she was in a fragile state.’

The judge continued: ‘(She) reached a point of despair such that she climbed over the barrier of a road bridge and fell to her death.

‘By the jury’s verdict,you must bear responsibility not only for all of your abusive acts,but for causing her death.’

She told Milne: ‘You repeatedly abused Kimberley Milne.

‘Some of that abuse involved physical violence including seizing her by the neck,restricting her breathing,repeatedly punching her on the head and body,striking her so that she fell and lost consciousness,and repeatedly choking her.

‘The abuse was not only physical. You belittled her by shouting and swearing at her,calling her names,you tried to cut her off from her family,checked her phone,restricted her movements,and controlled her access to money and transport.

CCTV showing Lee Milne acting aggressively towards Kimberly Milne shortly before she died (Picture: Crown Office/PA)

‘Domestic abuse is rarely about one incident. It is not only about violent acts. It includes more subtle,but nonetheless as harmful,exertions of power and control in a relationship. It builds over time.

‘Each act—whether physical,psychological,or financial—adds to the next,increasing pressure and fear,eroding confidence and independence.

‘It is the cumulative effect of the varied types of abuse that makes domestic abuse so harmful and damaging.’

Milne’s conviction was welcomed by Nicole Ballingham,women’s service manager at Dundee Women’s Aid,a charity that supports women,children and young people experiencing domestic abuse.

But she said the group would like him to spend longer behind bars.

She was one of a number of members of Dundee Women’s Aid who attended the sentencing,along with members of Ms Milne’s family.

‘I’m so happy that he’s been convicted of this crime and that he’s been held accountable,’ Ms Ballingham said.

‘We would have loved a longer sentence,of course,but happy with the outcome and justice for the family.’

Asked about the judge’s remarks,Ms Ballingham said: ‘It’s amazing to hear the recognition of the impact of domestic abuse and what it actually looks like,that coercive control,that abusive behaviour,that plays out over a long period of time and the impacts it can have.

‘And to hear that being said in a court is crucial for raising awareness,understanding and making domestic abuse be taken seriously.’

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