A man in Scotland has been sentenced to seven years and four months in prison after being convicted of attempting to murder his estranged wife by running her over twice with his vehicle. William Budge, 62, pleaded guilty to three charges, including attempted murder, at the High Court in Edinburgh. His sentencing took place on February 5, 2025, less than a month after his guilty plea.
According to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), the attack occurred on April 14, 2024, just three weeks after Sandra Budge, 63, ended their 33-year marriage. CCTV footage captured Budge hitting his estranged wife with his car, making a U-turn, and running over her a second time.
The court heard that Budge had parked outside his wife’s home in Edinburgh and attempted to speak to her upon her return. He tried to force her into the vehicle and take her phone before a concerned member of the public called her. The victim was heard pleading, “Stop Billy.” Budge then drove into her, lifting her onto the hood of his car before she fell to the ground and was run over by the wheels. He proceeded to drive over her a second time before fleeing the scene. His car was later found in Dunfermline, Fife.
The following day, Glasgow police found Budge in the River Clyde. He was rescued and later identified. His estranged wife sustained life-threatening injuries from the attack.
Budge also admitted to a pattern of domestic abuse spanning five years. His charges include assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, danger to life, and attempted murder. In addition to his prison sentence, he was issued a 15-year non-harassment order, preventing him from contacting the victim.
During sentencing, Lord Lake condemned Budge’s actions, stating that his conduct was “callous and cruel.” He acknowledged that the victim continues to suffer physically and mentally.
Moira Orr of the COPFS described Budge as a “violent and cruel domestic abuser,” emphasizing the severe impact of his reckless actions on his former partner.
