Husband Sentenced for Driving Over Estranged Wife Twice: Police
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A man in Scotland has been sentenced to more than seven years in jail after authorities say he attempted to murder his estranged wife by driving over her body twice. William Budge, 62, received a sentence of seven years and four months in prison on Wednesday, Feb. 5. This comes after he pleaded guilty to three charges, including attempted murder, at the High Court in Edinburgh, as reported by the Judiciary of Scotland and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
The incident, captured in footage shared by the BBC, took place on April 14, 2024, when Budge hit his 63-year-old estranged wife, Sandra Budge, with his vehicle before reversing and driving over her a second time. Shockingly, this violent attack occurred just three weeks after Sandra ended her 33-year marriage with Budge. The court also heard that Budge had engaged in a “course of domestic abuse” over five years, in addition to the attempted murder.
According to COPFS, on that fateful day, Budge waited outside Sandra’s home in Edinburgh and attempted to force her into his car while trying to take her phone. A member of the public intervened, and Sandra could be heard pleading with Budge to stop. Despite this, Budge drove into Sandra, causing her to land on the hood of the car before falling to the ground and being run over by the vehicle’s wheels. He callously repeated this act by driving over her a second time before fleeing the scene.
The severity of the situation was highlighted by the life-threatening injuries sustained by Sandra. The prosecution disclosed that Budge had also subjected his wife to a prolonged campaign of abuse. In his sentencing, Lord Lake emphasised the “callousness and cruelty” of Budge’s actions, especially in the attempted murder captured on video. Sandra continues to suffer physically and mentally, and the impact of the traumatic event will persist.
In response, Sandra Budge expressed through her lawyers at Digby Brown that the sentence does little to encourage other victims of domestic abuse to come forward with their cases. COPFS’s Moira Orr branded William Budge as a “violent and cruel domestic abuser” and condemned his reckless behaviour, which could have had devastating consequences. Orr extended thoughts and wishes to Sandra as she deals with the lasting trauma inflicted by Budge’s barbaric actions.
For individuals experiencing domestic violence, seeking help is crucial. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support and assistance to victims 24/7. If you or someone you know is in need of help, call 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Remember, your safety and well-being are paramount.
This harrowing case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic abuse and the urgent need for society to address and tackle such atrocities. The judicial system must continue to hold perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for their actions. By shedding light on cases like these, we strive to create a safer and more supportive environment for victims to speak out and seek justice.
As the community processes the details of this distressing incident, it is essential to uphold empathy and solidarity towards victims of domestic abuse. Together, we can work towards a future where such acts of violence are eradicated, and all individuals can live free from fear and harm.
In conclusion, the sentencing of William Budge underscores the heinous nature of domestic violence and the imperative of standing against such behaviour. While justice has been served in this case, the journey towards healing and empowerment for survivors of domestic abuse remains ongoing. Let us unite in advocating for a world where love and respect prevail, and violence has no place in our relationships and communities.