Bus driver killed at work ‘did not get justice’

The widow of a bus driver who was killed at work has criticised the justice system after being told the teenage attacker is set to be released early.

Keith Rollinson, 58, died of a cardiac arrest in hospital following the incident at the bus station in the St Giles Road area of Elgin in February 2024.

The attacker – a boy aged 15 at the time who could not be named – was originally charged with murder, but admitted the lesser charge of culpable homicide. He was sentenced to four years and four months in custody last year.

Sue Rollinson said she had now been told under the victim notification scheme that he is due to be freed next year – which she described as a “disgrace”.

The attack took place after Mr Rollinson had refused to let the teenager on board the bus because he was too drunk.

A court heard that the boy had then “completely lost control”, raining punches on the driver’s head and body, before being pulled away by another youth.

Mr Rollinson collapsed following the assault and never regained consciousness.

Lady Hood told the teenager in November last year there was no alternative to detention.

He later lost an appeal against his sentence.

Mrs Rollinson said the news of an early release next year left her in shock.

“It just ripped me apart again,” she told BBC Scotland’s Drivetime.

“I was broken-hearted to think that Keith has not had justice at all.

“I don’t think he should be released early. We’ve been let down totally, absolutely. “

She said the attacker’s appeal against his sentence had added to the family’s stress, with the worry being that he would succeed.

“Luckily he didn’t,” she said.

“We haven’t had justice, he took a man’s life, and the four years and four months isn’t enough.”

Mrs Rollinson said it would be “disgusting” if he was released next year.

“We were such a close family and Keith was such a loving husband and amazing dad,” she said. “Our lives have just been ripped apart by it.”

In response, the Scottish government said its thoughts were with Mrs Rollinson and her family.

A statement said that sentencing in any given case was always a matter for the courts, and that it could not comment on sentencing decisions.

Lord Matthews, who heard the appeal with Lord Beckett, rejected the submission that the sentence imposed on the teenager was excessive.

Lord Matthews’ judgement said: “There has been no miscarriage of justice and the appeal is refused.”

He said the judges had viewed CCTV footage and added: “It is plain that the appellant, who was by all accounts intoxicated, would not take no for an answer.

“The court must endeavour to protect people who provide a service to the public and can be in a vulnerable position.

“It is of significance that this is not the first time the appellant had assaulted a bus driver. Such conduct must be deterred.”