A young man has successfully appealed to have his prison term reduced after causing the death of a father by pushing him in front of an ambulance that was responding to an emergency call. Lewis Budge, 22, shoved Robert Bromell, leading to a tragic incident on the Corran Esplanade in Oban on September 6, 2023.
The fatal encounter occurred after both men had separately spent time with friends at the Markie Dans bar and engaged in a conversation outside the pub. Regrettably, Mr. Bromell, 39, was struck by the ambulance and sustained fatal injuries, passing away the next day at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Renfrewshire.
Despite the ambulance displaying its blue lights, neither Budge nor Mr. Bromell could see it due to obstructing parked cars. Following the incident, Mr. Bromell received medical attention at The Lorne and Islands Hospital in Oban before being transferred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Budge had initially been sentenced to six years in prison for admitting to culpable homicide at the High Court in Glasgow. However, his legal representative, McConnachie KC, emphasized Budge’s remorse and acknowledged the devastating impact on Mr. Bromell’s family. The defense argued that the level of violence involved was relatively minor, with no premeditation or use of weapons, leading to unforeseen catastrophic consequences.
During an appeal at the criminal court in Edinburgh, Budge’s lawyers contended that the original sentence was disproportionate, highlighting his minimal risk of reoffending and genuine display of remorse. The appeal judges, Lady Wise and Lord Matthews, ultimately granted the appeal, reducing the sentence to four years.
This decision followed a thoughtful consideration of Budge’s circumstances and the tragic outcome of a reckless act that had unforeseeable and devastating consequences.
