Man who drove over wife twice has jail sentence extended

An abusive husband who tried to murder his estranged wife by driving his car over her twice has been sentenced to an additional three years and six months in jail.

William Budge, 62, was caught on camera ramming Sandra Budge with his car in Edinburgh in April 2023, before turning around and driving over her again as she lay on the ground.

He was sentenced to seven years and four months in February.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) successfully appealed to have that sentence quashed and replaced by a jail term of 10 years and 10 months.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard earlier this year that Budge attacked his estranged wife in Muirhouse Parkway because he was “embarrassed” she had left him.

He pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge as well as assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment, danger of life and attempted murder.

Ms Budge, who was left with life-threatening injuries, condemned the initial sentence and said it did not inspire confidence in the justice system.

Following a successful appeal to the Appeal Court, deputy crown agent Laura Buchan said: “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.”

COPFS can appeal sentences in limited circumstances in which it is deemed that a sentence is unduly lenient, meaning it “falls outside the range of sentences which the judge could reasonably have considered appropriate having taken account of all relevant factors”.