Domestic abuser to appeal conviction for killing wife who jumped to death from A90 bridge in Dundee

A domestic abuser who was jailed for eight years for killing his wife after she jumped to her death from a bridge in Dundee is appealing his conviction and sentence.

Kimberly Bruce died after being struck by vehicles when she jumped onto the A90 on July 27, 2023.

The 28-year-old had been subjected to an 18-month campaign of abuse by her husband, Lee Milne.

Understood to be the first prosecution of its kind in Scotland, the 40-year-old was found guilty of causing her death at the High Court in Glasgow last month.

He was also convicted of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour towards her.

On April 10, Milne was sentenced to eight years behind bars plus a three-year extended sentence.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service confirmed lawyers for Milne are now challenging the conviction.

In Scotland, an intimation of intention to appeal a conviction or sentence must be lodged within two weeks of sentencing, and a note with the full grounds of appeal then has to be lodged within the subsequent eight weeks.

A spokesperson said: “In the case of Lee Milne, we can confirm that an intention to appeal has been lodged for conviction and sentence.”

Scene of Kimberley's death in Dundee in July, 2023 — Scene of Kimberley’s death in Dundee in July, 2023 STV News

Nicole Ballingham, women’s service manager at Dundee Women’s Aid, previously said the group would’ve liked a longer sentence for Milne, whose campaign of abuse resulted in the death of his wife.

“I’m so happy that he’s been convicted of this crime and that he’s been held accountable,” Ms Ballingham said in an interview with the Press Association.

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

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Lady Drummond told the court Milne had subjected his wife to repeated physical and emotional abuse over an 18-month period.

This included, she said, repeatedly punching and choking her, and “belittling” her by shouting and swearing at her, restricting her movements and controlling her access to money and transport.