A domestic abuser who tried to kill his estranged wife by mowing her down with his car twice has been jailed.
William Budge, who has been described as a “barbaric individual”, carried out a horrific attack on 64-year-old wife Sandra claiming she had “embarrassed” him after she left him several weeks before.
The 62-year-old , formerly of Silverknowes Gardens, Edinburgh, admitted assaulting his spouse on April 14 last year to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement, danger of life and attempted murder at the High Court in Edinburgh on January 6. He also admitted to subjecting his victim to a campaign of abuse.
The court heard 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 can be heard screaming as Sandra lies 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.
Budge’s former wife suffered numerous serious injuries which were described as ‘life-threatening’.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, Budge was jailed for seven years and four months. A non-harassment order, banning Budge from contacting or attempting to contact the victim, was granted for a period of 15 years.
Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “William Budge is a violent and cruel domestic abuser whose extremely reckless actions could have had devastating consequences.
“Our thoughts and best wishes remain with his former partner as she continues to deal with the lasting trauma caused by this barbaric individual.
“Budge has now been held accountable following this prosecution, which I hope brings some comfort to those affected by his offending.
“COPFS remains committed to prosecuting crimes of domestic abuse, which are an unacceptable blight on our communities.
“I would encourage all victims or witnesses of similar offending to come forward, report their experiences and seek support.”
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