Widow's Outrage as Teenage Killer Set for Early Release
A Scottish widow has condemned the justice system after learning that the teenage thug who killed her husband, a bus driver, could be set free within months. Susan Rollinson, 63, described the imminent release as a 'shocking betrayal of justice'.
The tragedy unfolded in February last year at a bus station in Elgin, Moray. Keith Rollinson, 58, was subjected to a vicious assault by a 15-year-old youth who was wildly drunk. The attack occurred after Mr Rollinson refused to let the teenager board the bus.
The Fatal Frenzied Attack
The High Court in Edinburgh heard harrowing details of the incident. The youth head-butted Mr Rollinson before raining punches down on him in what a judge later described as a 'frenzied attack'.
The bus driver suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin where he was pronounced dead. The court also heard that the teenager had repeatedly been in trouble with the police and had previously assaulted another bus driver.
Despite admitting culpable homicide, the attacker received a sentence of just four years and four months when sentenced last November. This lenient sentence was attributed to 'soft-touch' legislation introduced by the SNP.
A Family's Life Sentence
Susan Rollinson, mother of two adult daughters, recently received a letter from the Scottish Government's Victim Notification Scheme informing her that the killer is due to be released in December next year. The letter added that he could be paroled even earlier.
'How is that justice?' Mrs Rollinson asked. 'That's not any sort of punishment for taking a life. Our world's been shattered, completely turned upside down. Losing him has been a life sentence for us.'
She revealed the attacker would serve at most two years and ten months, with potential for further reduction meaning he could be free within months. She called the original sentence 'ridiculous for what he did'.
Lady Hood, the sentencing judge, explained that the teenager's sentence was reduced because he submitted an early guilty plea and because being under 25 made him subject to new sentencing guidelines.
Political Reaction and Government Response
Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said the use of reduced sentences for offenders under the age of 25 should be scrapped. 'This shocking revelation has caused understandable shock, pain and confusion to Keith's family who continue to be betrayed by the SNP's weak justice agenda,' he stated.
'Surely no reasonable person can think it's appropriate for a killer to be let out so soon?' he added.
The Scottish Government distanced itself from the sentencing decision, stating it had no role in sentencing or sentencing guidelines. A spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Keith Rollinson who have lost a loved one in horrific circumstances.'
Sentencing in any given case is always a matter for the independent courts, the spokesperson emphasised, noting that the government cannot comment on sentencing decisions.
The case has raised serious questions about youth sentencing in Scotland and the balance between rehabilitation and justice for victims' families.
