Widow of bus driver killed by teen 'heartbroken' over Government minister's comments

EXCLUSIVE

An Elgin bus driver’s widow is demanding an apology from a Scottish Government minister as he refused to say whether her husband’s teen killer will have his free bus pass removed.

Connectivity minister Jim Fairlie told a Holyrood committee yesterday that questioning around whether Keith Rollinson’s killer would be entitled to his free under 22s pass was "inappropriate" and "disrespectful."

Today, Susan Rollinson said she is "really annoyed" by Mr Fairlie's response and says her and her family are "heartbroken."

When asked about the matter earlier, John Swinney said his government are doing everything they can to try and address the "very real concerns Mrs Rollinson has."

Minister's response to questioning around Keith Rollinson

MSPs pressed connectivity minister Jim Fairlie over whether the youth - who was 15 when he fatally assaulted driver Keith Rollinson in Elgin bus station - would be entitled to free bus travel when he is released from custody.

He was sentenced to four years and four months for the attack on Mr Rollinson, which took place in February 2024, and saw the driver suffer a cardiac arrest after being headbutted and punched by the youth.

However, Mrs Rollinson has recently been told he may be released as soon as this year.

With those under the age of 22 being entitled to free bus travel across Scotland, Mr Fairlie was asked to say if the teenager could still benefit from this.

However the minister would only say he could "not answer individual questions about individual cases".

Mr Fairlie told MSPs: "I am not going to comment on the death of Mr Rollinson.

"I am not going to go any further with this conversation about Mr Rollinson.

"I think it's inappropriate, I think it's disrespectful.

"I cannot give guarantees on anything in terms of Mr Rollinson's position and would really would rather not be discussing Mr Rollinson's position."

The minister had been pressed on the issue as MSPs on Holyrood's Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee discussed Scottish Government plans to remove free bus passes from those who commit acts of anti-social behaviour while on board.

"It's like another stab in the back" - Susan Rollinson

Upon hearing Mr Fairlie's comments, Susan wants him to apologise publicly.

She said: "I was actually really annoyed he said it's 'inappropriate' and 'disrespectful.'

"He was inappropriate to say that about Keith.

"We're heartbroken again, it's like another stab in the back."

Susan feels she hasn't had justice for the former RAF man's death and fears she never will.

She added: "Keith was a good man, hardworking, served his country for 22 years and this is how he is repaid.

"It's heartbreaking to see."

Responding to the comments, Mr Fairlie said his words were "not intended to upset" Susan.

He said: "I wish to convey my deepest of respect for Ms Rollison’s loss, and my condolences to the friends and family of Mr Rollinson.

"My words were not intended to upset Ms Rollinson.

"I was trying to make the point that ongoing work to ensure that a tragic death like this never occurs again should not be politicised in any way.

“It is absolutely correct that Mr Rollinson should have been able to go to his work and come home safely.

"I am absolutely determined that we create a sustainable process for the suspension and withdrawal of the right to free travel where instances of anti-social behaviour occur on buses.

"It is right that the most serious cases of criminality are dealt with through the criminal justice system.

“Everyone should be able get where they need to go without fear of abuse.

"Officials are working as fast as they can to ensure that all bus passengers can travel safely and confidently on our bus network and that is what this scheme will play a part in doing.”

First Minister response

Earlier today, we asked First Minister John Swinney why his government can't guarantee Keith's killer would have his free bus pass removed.

He said: "Obviously this a very difficult case and I express my sympathies to Mrs Rollinson and the terrible ordeal she has suffered with the loss of her husband.

"This incident should never have taken place.

"What the government is trying to do is to make sure the approach we take guarantees good and effective behaviour on public transport, because people should be safe when they're either working on or using public transport.

"The government is focused on trying to do exactly that.

"In an individual case of this type, it is important we consider all the relevant details and some of these details will, of course, have to be considered by the parole board.

"The parole board will have an involvement in all of these issues and these issues are not all under the control of ministers.

"We're doing everything we can to try and address the very real concerns Mrs Rollinson has."