A tragic incident in Elgin bus station resulted in the death of bus driver Keith Rollinson after a 16-year-old, who was 15 at the time of the attack, assaulted him. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the assault took place on February 2, 2024, when Mr Rollinson refused to allow the teenager to board the bus due to his intoxicated state. The teenager headbutted and “rained punches” on Mr Rollinson, who later collapsed and passed away from cardiac arrest.
The court was informed that the teenager argued with Mr Rollinson after a night of drinking in Elgin town centre. The situation escalated when the teenager began filming the bus driver on his phone, leading to a physical struggle. Despite appearing unharmed initially, Mr Rollinson collapsed and later died in the hospital. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to culpable homicide after initially being charged with murder.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the teenager had a history of previous offences, including a previous assault on a bus driver that ended just weeks before the fatal assault on Mr Rollinson. The court also learned that Mr Rollinson had a pre-existing heart condition that put him at risk of a sudden cardiac event.
Following the guilty plea, the court scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 18, 2024, at Inverness High Court. The teenager, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, showed no reaction as he was led from the courtroom. Detective Inspector Andrew Wilson expressed condolences to Mr Rollinson’s family and emphasized that no one should face violence while at work.
Chief Inspector Mike McKenzie stated that efforts were ongoing to address youth disorder in Elgin, particularly around the bus station, to prevent similar incidents in the future. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for all individuals.
As the community mourns the loss of Keith Rollinson, the legal proceedings offer a glimpse of justice for his loved ones. The impact of this senseless act resonates not only within Mr Rollinson’s family and circle of friends but also across the wider Moray area. His memory lives on as authorities strive to address safety concerns and prevent anti-social behavior in the community.