Susan Rollinson expresses heartbreak over lenient sentence for her husband's killer
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The tragic story of Susan Rollinson, the widow of Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson, has captured public attention as she grapples with the emotional fallout of her husband’s brutal murder. Keith, a former RAF electrical engineer, was fatally attacked at Elgin Bus Station last February, leaving behind a devastated family.
Now, as the 16-year-old who admitted to the crime seeks to appeal his sentence, Susan’s pain is compounded by feelings of injustice.
A life sentence without justice
Susan Rollinson, a mother of two, has publicly expressed her anguish, stating that she feels she has received a life sentence without her husband.
The young assailant, who was 15 at the time of the attack, was sentenced to just four years and four months for culpable homicide. This lenient sentence has left Susan feeling that the justice system has failed her and her family. “I knew that any amount of time they gave him wouldn’t bring Keith back, but all I wanted was for Keith to get justice,” she lamented.
The appeal process and its implications
The legal framework surrounding appeals in Scotland allows individuals convicted of crimes to seek permission to challenge their sentences. In this case, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) can also appeal on behalf of victims’ families who feel that sentences are unduly lenient. However, Susan’s request for an appeal was rejected, leading her to accuse the public authority of failing to advocate for victims. She expressed her frustration, saying, “It just seems he’s getting everything he wants, and they’re not fighting for us.” This sentiment resonates with many who believe that the justice system often prioritizes the rights of offenders over the needs of victims.
Public reaction and the call for justice
The case has sparked outrage among the community and beyond, with many rallying behind Susan Rollinson’s call for justice. The notion that her husband’s killer could be released before turning 20 has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of the current sentencing guidelines. Susan’s poignant statement, “I’ve got a life sentence without Keith,” underscores the emotional toll that violent crime takes on families. As the appeal date approaches, the public is left wondering whether justice will truly be served in this heartbreaking case.
In response to the family’s concerns, a spokesperson for the COPFS stated that they had met with the Rollinson family to discuss the factors judges must consider during sentencing. They emphasized that the decision not to appeal was not made lightly, but the family remains unconvinced. As the legal battle continues, Susan Rollinson’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of crime and the ongoing struggle for justice.
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