Lewis Budge, 22, has been locked up for six years after a deadly shove that killed Robert Bromell, a devoted dad-of-two. Budge pushed Bromell into the path of an ambulance racing down a street in Oban, Scotland—its lights flashing but siren silent.
Fatal Push Caught on CCTV
The court heard Budge shoved Bromell with both hands on Corran Esplanade, sending him stumbling right into the ambulance’s path. Bromell suffered fatal injuries and later died in hospital. CCTV footage smashed Budge’s claim that Bromell simply stumbled.
“You deliberately pushed your victim, using both hands, into the roadway and into the path of the ambulance,” said Judge Lord Arthurson. “The terrible consequences of your crime are generational and no punishment will ever remedy that awful truth.”
After the attack, Budge walked away refusing to take the blame. One of Bromell’s relatives blasted him in court: “You evil b*****d, I hope you rot in hell.”
Deadly Night After Pub Closing
Both men had been leaving Markie Dans bar in Oban as it shut for the night. Prosecutors revealed they were even chatting moments before the shove. A parked caravan hid the ambulance from view, which was speeding up with blue lights flashing but sirens off.
Budge’s reckless shove left Bromell no chance to dodge the vehicle.
Family Mourns ‘Always Smiling’ Dad
Bromell’s family, who affectionately called him “Hogan,” described him as “a cheerful man never seen without a smile” and “always ready with a joke.” They called his death “a devastating loss.”
Defence lawyer Brian McConnachie accepted Budge’s actions were “a dreadful mistake” and “reckless” rather than planned. Budge appeared “pale and shook up” after the incident, showed “deep remorse,” and poses a “minimum” risk of reoffending, he added.
A GoFundMe launched for Bromell’s funeral has raised over £2,400.
Judge Delivers Hard-Hitting Verdict
Lord Arthurson reminded Budge of the permanent damage caused: “In due course, you will return home. Mr Bromell will do none of this. His sons and family are deprived forever.”
This tragic case shines a light on how one brutal moment on a quiet Oban street destroyed a loving father’s life and shattered a family forever.
