A Dundee man has been locked up after his wife took her own life following relentless bullying and abuse during their relationship.
Legal First: Culpable Homicide Over Suicide
Lee Milne, 39, made history as the first offender in the UK to be found guilty of culpable homicide after his partner, Kimberly Bruce, jumped from a bridge. The court ruled his cruel, controlling behaviour was a significant factor in her death.
Shocking Abuse Detailed in Court
- Milne subjected Kimberly to physical violence, including dragging her and strangling her.
- He locked her inside their flat without food or money.
- He exploited Kimberly’s health issues to manipulate her mentally and emotionally.
- On the night she died, his abuse happened right in public.
CCTV footage from Dundee’s Kingsway captured the terrifying moments before Kimberly’s death, showing her cowering from Milne as he shouted and intimidated her, leading up to her fatal jump from a flyover bridge.
Prosecutor’s Statement on Landmark Case
“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.” – Laura Buchan, COPFS Legal Director
Sentencing
Lee Milne was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on 10 April 2026. He received eight years behind bars, plus an additional three years under strict supervision and monitoring after release. This landmark ruling sets a powerful precedent in holding abusers accountable when their cruelty drives victims to suicide.
