First Minister John Swinney has been accused of making the SNP "stronger for criminals" after he failed to reassure the widow of a murdered bus driver that her husband's teenage killer would be stripped of his free bus pass upon release. The controversy erupted during a heated session of First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, where Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay blasted the government's handling of the case as "sickening" and an "affront" to the victim's family.
A Tragic Attack and a Shockingly Short Sentence
Keith Rollinson, a 58-year-old bus driver from Elgin in Moray, died from a cardiac arrest after being punched in a frenzied attack by a 15-year-old boy two years ago. The teenager, who was drunk and had been refused entry to the bus, admitted culpable homicide and was sentenced to four years and four months in custody. However, he was not sent to prison but to charity-run accommodation featuring a swimming pool and courtyard garden, meaning he has not spent a single night behind bars.
Widow's Fury Over Impending Release
Sue Rollinson, Keith's wife of 33 years, recently learned that the killer is set to be released this year, with a parole hearing on February 11 resulting in a postponed final decision. Adding to her anguish is the prospect that the teenager may retain his concessionary bus pass, despite the SNP's vow last year to strip such passes from young troublemakers. The government has yet to pass the required legislation or finalise a code of conduct for passengers, with Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie apologising to Holyrood's transport committee last month for the delay.
Political Fallout and Justice System Criticisms
During the parliamentary exchange, Mr Findlay lambasted Mr Swinney for his inability to confirm whether the killer would lose his free travel privileges under the proposed new regime. "The killer was sentenced to four years and four months. He has not spent a single night in prison," Mr Findlay told MSPs. "He killed an innocent man two years ago, but he could be freed and back home within weeks. Does John Swinney think that is justice?"
Mr Swinney responded by calling the attack "completely unforgivable and unspeakable," but emphasised that sentencing decisions rest with the courts. Unmoved, Mr Findlay snapped back, "John Swinney can't say it, so I'll say it for him. A violent killer not spending a single night in prison and who could be back home after two years is not justice. It's sickening. And it's an affront to Sue Rollinson and her family."
Guidelines and Government Failures Under Fire
The Tory leader attributed the "shockingly short sentence" to an SNP-backed quango that advises judges against jailing criminals under the age of 25, based on the belief that they lack maturity to be fully responsible. "These guidelines traumatise victims by treating murderers and rapists as if they are children," Mr Findlay asserted. "They are one of the many ways in which the SNP government has spent years weakening Scotland's justice system."
He further criticised the government for botching legislation to deny free travel to those who commit crimes and anti-social behaviour on buses, a promise made nine months ago but still undelivered. "Sue Rollinson is rightly furious that her husband's killer will still be entitled to a free bus pass when he gets out," Mr Findlay said, demanding a guarantee and timeline for its removal.
Swinney's Defence and Ongoing Uncertainty
Mr Swinney declined to give a definitive answer, citing the pending parole board decision. "It does sound like this killer may well still have his free bus pass despite killing a bus driver," Mr Findlay retorted, summarising the situation with a damning indictment: "A law that keeps some killers out of prison, guidelines that ensure other serious criminals are not jailed, releasing thousands of criminals early. The SNP – stronger for criminals. Does John Swinney have any understanding of the pain and anguish his government is inflicting on good and decent people across Scotland?"
In his defence, the First Minister stated, "This government is doing everything it can to make sure those who commit crimes will be apprehended, prosecuted, and, where the courts decide, imprisoned as well." However, the lack of concrete assurances has left the Rollinson family and opposition politicians deeply dissatisfied, highlighting ongoing tensions over Scotland's justice policies and their impact on victims' rights.
