Man who tried to kill estranged wife in Edinburgh hit-and-run handed longer jail term
A domestic abser who tried to kill his estranged wife by mowing her down with his car has been given an increased jail sentence following a successful Crown appeal.
William Budge was originally sentenced to seven years and four months behind bars at the High Court in Edinburgh in February.
The 62-year-old earlier pled guilty to a string of serious charges, including attempted murder and domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018.
But prosecutors argued the punishment was too lenient and now appeal judges have agreed — quashing the original term and replacing it with a sentence of 10 years and 10 months.
Budge, who has been described as a "barbaric individual", carried out a horrific attack on 64-year-old wife Sandra outside her home home in Edinburgh on April 14, 2024, claiming she had "embarrassed" him after she left him several weeks before.
Sandra was left her with life-threatening injuries and long-term physical damage.
The charges he admitted included assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment, danger of life and attempted murder, alongside a charge of domestic abuse.
The court previously heard how Budge launched his murder bid three weeks after Sandra had ended their 33-year marriage. He parked his car outside his former partner's Edinburgh home before making attempts to speak to her when she returned to the property.
Budge grabbed hold of Sandra and attempted to force her into his car as well as trying to take her mobile phone. A relative of the victim arrived and began shouting at Budge who said: "She's f---ing embarrassed me."
Budge got back into his car and drove onto the grass verge, straight at the victim, lifting her onto the bonnet before she fell onto the ground. The wheels of the car went over the victim as Budge drove back onto the road.
The victim was lying motionless on the grass when the accused turned his car around and drove back over his former wife again. The relative who was attempting to help had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.
The whole horrific ordeal was captured on camera.
Women and children could be heard screaming as Sandra lay motionless on the ground.
Budge drove off and police and paramedics attended. The unconscious victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she was found to have suffered damage to her lungs and liver, internal bleeding, rib and ankle fractures and other injuries.
Budge's car was later found parked unattended at an Asda car park in Dunfermline, Fife. A day later police in Glasgow were alerted to a man in the River Clyde. After being rescued, he was identified as being William Budge and arrested.
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Laura Buchan, Deputy Crown Agent, welcomed the decision to increase Budge's sentence and said it reflected the seriousness of the crime: "COPFS is committed to improving the criminal justice journey for victims
'Prosecutors have a responsibility to consider appeals based upon undue leniency in sentencing. Such appeals are rare.
'The decision to increase William Budge's sentence provides reassurance that the impact of domestic abuse on victims is recognised by those within the criminal justice system.
'No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner. I would urge anyone affected by this type of offending to report it and seek support."
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