Six-Year Prison Term for Fatal Ambulance Incident in Oban
Lewis Budge, a 22-year-old man, has been sentenced to six years in prison after pushing a father-of-two into the path of an ambulance with its blue lights activated, resulting in fatal injuries. The incident occurred on the Corran Esplanade in Oban, Scotland, on September 6, 2023, when Budge assaulted Robert Bromell, 39, causing him to fall into the roadway.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Details
Budge initially faced a murder charge but pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of culpable homicide at the High Court in Glasgow in January 2026. During the sentencing hearing, Lord Arthurson emphasised the reckless nature of Budge's actions, noting that he gave no consideration to the surrounding environment. The judge highlighted Budge's subsequent conduct, including walking away from the scene and falsely attributing responsibility to the victim until he was identified as the perpetrator.
Lord Arthurson stated, 'You deliberately pushed your victim, using both hands, into the roadway and into the path of the ambulance. In due course, you will undoubtedly complete your sentence and return home to your family and friends. Mr Bromell, your victim, will do none of this.' He added that the consequences of the crime were generational, with Bromell's family permanently deprived of his presence.
Circumstances of the Tragic Event
The court heard that the ambulance was responding to an emergency in nearby Dunollie, travelling at approximately 36-39 mph with blue lights on but without sirens. A parked pop-top caravan obstructed the view of both Budge and Bromell, preventing them from seeing the approaching vehicle. Prosecutor David McLean KC described how Budge deliberately pushed Bromell with both hands, causing him to lose balance and fall into the ambulance's path.
CCTV footage played in court showed Budge laying hands on Bromell moments before the collision, contradicting Budge's initial claim that Bromell had stumbled. The ambulance driver reacted swiftly but was unable to avoid the impact. Bromell suffered multiple severe injuries and was rushed to Oban Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, where he died the following day.
Legal Defence and Family Impact
Brian McConnachie KC, representing Budge, argued that the act was not premeditated but reckless, with minimal violence involved—no punches or weapons were used. He described Budge as 'deeply remorseful' and assessed as having a minimum risk of reoffending. McConnachie characterised the incident as a tragedy stemming from a momentary mistake rather than a heated argument.
Bromell's family paid tribute to him in a statement released through Police Scotland, remembering his cheerful demeanor and 'cheeky smile and funny character.' They noted that he was never seen without a smile and a joke, making his loss devastating for all who knew him. A GoFundMe page raised £2,400 to assist with funeral expenses, reflecting community support.
Aftermath and Emotional Courtroom Scene
As Budge was led to the cells after sentencing, a relative of the victim shouted, 'You evil b*****d, I hope you rot in hell,' underscoring the emotional toll of the case. The two men had been part of a group leaving the Markie Dans bar after it closed at 1 am, heading towards the town centre. Budge, described as 'pale white and shook up' post-incident, later admitted to the push after CCTV evidence emerged.
This case highlights the severe repercussions of reckless actions in public spaces, with the court emphasising that no punishment can fully remedy the generational loss suffered by Bromell's family. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in such tragic circumstances.
