A mum who was mowed down by her abusive ex husband in a murder bid has slammed the lenient sentence vowing it does not “inspire trust or confidence in the justice system”.
Sandra spoke out for the first time after her estranged husband William Budge was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison on Wednesday. They 64-year-old’s family also hit out saying Scotland has an “epidemic with violence against women“, and the judge’s sentence did not reflect the crime.
Sandra was attacked in Edinburgh just three weeks after she ended her 33-year marriage to William. Mr Budge admitted that he was abusive throughout their marriage.
In a statement following the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Sandra said; “I believe this sentencing does not encourage other women to come forward with cases of domestic abuse. As a society we have repeatedly heard that violence against women will not be tolerated yet this low sentence flies in the face of that sentiment.
“The outcome today also does not inspire trust or confidence in the justice system especially to those who have experienced domestic violence, or are still trapped in dangerous domestic circumstances.”
CCTV captured the moment 62-year-old Budge tried killing his wife in a car park in Edinburgh’s Muirhouse Parkway on April 14, 2024.
Footage showed Budge striking his wife with a silver vehicle while she was standing next to a relative. She clung onto the bonnet as she was dragged onto a path several feet away.
She then appeared to be dragged under the car as Budge ran her over his former wife, as a family member rushed to help her as she lay stricken on the grass.
The horror footage showed him driving his car out onto the main road, turning the vehicle around, speeding up, and then driving over her for a second time, while women and children can be heard screaming.
Sandra suffered numerous serious injuries which were described as ‘life-threatening’. Sandra’s immediate family stood in solidarity with the Edinburgh mum.
After the sentencing, the family added: “Scotland is in an epidemic with violence against women and the family was hopeful today that the punishment would reflect the crime – unfortunately we have a contradicting message being sent by the Judge which was even more discouraging by the fact he was fully aware of the historical domestic abuse throughout the marriage.
“We feel the accused only pleaded guilty due to the overwhelming evidence and for his own benefit to receive a lesser sentence – not through any sense of remorse.
“We have all been through 10 months of Hell and the only person who has really benefited from all of this has been the guilty man who saw multiple discounts applied to his sentence.
“We really hoped today would deliver justice and contribute to our journey as we seek closure – but this has not happened.”
Budge pleaded guilty to three charges including assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, danger of life and attempted murder at the High Court in Edinburgh on January 6. He also admitted subjecting his victim to a campaign of abuse.
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