A tragic incident unfolded as a bus driver lost his life following an attack by a 16-year-old boy whom he had refused to allow on board the bus. The driver, Keith Rollinson, tragically passed away after being assaulted by the teenager at Elgin bus station on February 2, 2024. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the assault took place around 10.30pm after Mr. Rollinson had declined the teenager entry onto the bus due to his intoxicated state.
The court proceedings revealed that the 16-year-old, who was 15 at the time of the incident, had been drinking with other youths in Elgin town centre before heading to the bus station on St Giles Road with the intent of catching the last bus home. A confrontation ensued between the teenager and the bus driver, escalating to the point where the teenager headbutted Mr. Rollinson and proceeded to pummel him with punches to the head and body.
Despite initially appearing unharmed, Mr. Rollinson tragically collapsed after bending down to retrieve his cap from the ground. He was rushed to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin but, sadly, never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at 12.45am on February 3. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was swiftly apprehended by the police and initially faced a murder charge but eventually pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.
The court learned that the physical altercation, coupled with Mr. Rollinson’s pre-existing heart condition, led to a fatal cardiac event. The teenager was described as agitated and upset, arguing with the bus driver about being refused travel due to intoxication. Footage of the incident captured by CCTV cameras at the bus station was shown in court. The teenager, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, showed no reaction to the proceedings and will be sentenced on November 18, 2024, at Inverness High Court.
Detective Inspector Andrew Wilson expressed condolences to Mr. Rollinson’s family and emphasized the impact of the tragedy on the community. Chief Inspector Mike McKenzie highlighted ongoing efforts to address youth disorder around the Elgin bus station. The court process shed light on the events leading to the untimely death of the bus driver, providing closure to his loved ones amid grief and loss.
Such incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers faced by individuals in public-facing roles and underscore the importance of measures to prevent and deter anti-social behavior to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the community.