Milne’s conviction is the primary of its form in Scotland, although comparable circumstances have been heard in English courts.
Nicholas Allen was jailed for 10 years in 2017 for the manslaughter of his ex-girlfriend after she killed herself as a “direct result” of his controlling behaviour.
The case in Stafford was considered the primary manslaughter case introduced in such circumstances.
In 2018, Steven Gane, of Upminster, was jailed for “driving his partner to suicide” via home abuse – although it was an inquest that ultimately concluded he was responsible for her unlawful killing.
On Kimberly Milne, Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) mentioned it had been a “landmark case”.
COPFS authorized director Laura Buchan mentioned: “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 bodily and psychologically abused Kimberly and our proof confirmed that this abuse was a big contributing consider her dying.
“He deliberately and ruthlessly exploited Kimberly’s vulnerabilities which makes him culpable for her decision to end her own life.”
If you, or somebody you understand, have been affected by home abuse or violence, assist is out there through BBC Action Line.
