In a legal first, Lee Milne from Dundee was found guilty of culpable homicide after his partner took her own life.
The 39-year-old was also found guilty of subjecting his wife, Kimberly, to a course of coercive and controlling behaviour over the term of their relationship.
It is the first time following a trial that an offender has been held criminally responsible for the suicide of their partner.
At the High Court in Glasgow, prosecutors from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) led evidence of Milne’s violent and controlling behaviour towards Kimberly in the months leading up to her death.
The court heard that Lee Milne had repeatedly restrained Kimberly and dragged her around; he locked her in their flat without food or money, violently assaulted her and strangled her.
Kimberly, who was 28 when she died, suffered from health issues which left her vulnerable to Milne’s manipulation.
In this landmark case, prosecutors were able to prove that his deliberate abuse of Kimberly was a significant contributing factor in her death.
Prosecutor Laura Buchan, COPFS Legal Director, said:
“This prosecution sought to answer a complex question – can a partner be held criminally responsible for the death of a victim who has taken their own life following a course of domestic abuse?
“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.”
CCTV footage from around the Kingsway area of Dundee on 27 July 2023 captured Milne’s aggressive behaviour towards his wife directly before her suicide.
Kimberly was seen cowering from Milne while he shouted at her; walking away as he drove at her; hiding behind a wall and trailing slowly behind him as he led the way.
Finally they both walked onto a flyover bridge from which Kimberly climbed the barrier of the overpass and jumped.
Milne was found guilty of two charges – including culpable homicide - and was today (10 April 2026) sentenced to eight years in custody with a further three-year sentence extension during which time he will be subject to close monitoring and supervision.