A mother who was intentionally hit by her ex-husband in a murder attempt has criticised the lenient jail sentence he received, highlighting concerns about the prevalence of domestic violence in Scotland. Sandra, who was the victim of the attack, expressed disappointment in the justice system’s handling of her case after her estranged husband, William Budge, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison. The incident occurred in Edinburgh just three weeks after Sandra ended her 33-year marriage to William, who confessed to being abusive throughout their relationship.
The attack, captured on CCTV, took place in a car park in Edinburgh’s Muirhouse Parkway on April 14, 2024. The footage showed Budge striking Sandra with a silver vehicle, dragging her several feet away, before running her over a second time as she lay injured on the ground. Sandra sustained severe and life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident. Following the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Sandra released a statement expressing her disbelief at the lenient punishment, stating that it does not encourage victims of domestic abuse to come forward and undermines the message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
Sandra’s family also condemned the sentence, emphasising that Scotland is facing an “epidemic” of violence against women. They highlighted their disappointment in the justice system for not adequately reflecting the severity of the crime. The family stated that they had endured a harrowing 10 months and hoped for closure through a just outcome, which they felt was not achieved.
William Budge pleaded guilty to charges including assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, danger of life, and attempted murder. Despite admitting to a history of abuse towards Sandra, his guilty plea was viewed by the family as a strategic move to receive a reduced sentence rather than a genuine display of remorse.
In summary, the case of Sandra and William Budge sheds light on the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in seeking justice and the shortcomings of the legal system in addressing such crimes. It underscores the urgent need for reforms to better protect and support victims, deter perpetrators, and send a stronger message that violence against women will not be tolerated in Scotland.