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A 22-year-old man has admitted to causing the death of Robert Bromell by pushing him into the path of an ambulance that was responding to an emergency call. The incident took place in September 2023 on Corran Esplanade in Oban, Argyll and Bute. Lewis Budge, the defendant, forcefully shoved Bromell, aged 39, after the two had left a local pub together with others. The impact resulted in Bromell being struck on the head by the ambulance, leading to fatal injuries.
Originally charged with murder, Budge entered a guilty plea to a lesser count of homicide during proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow. He had initially claimed that Bromell accidentally stumbled in front of the emergency vehicle; however, surveillance footage contradicted this statement, clearly displaying Budge pushing Bromell. Lord Arthurson has indicated that a “significant custodial sentence” is expected at Budge’s sentencing next month.
On the night of the attack, both men had been out separately but at the same establishment—the Markie Dans bar in Oban—and the court was told that their respective groups shared some acquaintances. After the bar closed at 1 a.m., the groups began heading towards the town centre. At one point, Budge and Bromell were seen engaging in conversation. The ambulance involved was en route to an emergency in Dunollie, north of Oban, with its blue lights flashing. Due to a parked pop-top caravan obstructing their view, the two men could not clearly see the road ahead as they walked along the esplanade.
During the court hearing, prosecutor David McLean KC stated that “As the ambulance approached, Budge deliberately pushed Bromell on the top half of the front of his body using two hands.” This shove caused Bromell to lose his balance and fall in front of the oncoming vehicle, an action Budge took without regard for the consequences. Video played in court in slow motion showed Bromell attempting to break his fall but being struck on the head by the ambulance. The paramedic driver tried to maneuver to avoid the collision, and emergency personnel quickly provided aid. Bromell was taken initially to Oban hospital, then transferred to the Royal Alexandra in Paisley, but succumbed to his injuries hours later.
Following the incident, Budge appeared visibly shaken and described Bromell’s fall inaccurately, first saying he “stumbled out in front of the ambulance” and later that he had “tripped over himself.” Defence counsel Brian McConnachie KC characterized the situation as a “truly tragic case.” Bromell had lived in Oban for around two years after staying with his sister on the Isle of Bute. Known to his loved ones as Hogan, his family remembered him for his “cheeky smile and funny character” and described his passing as “a devastating loss.” Budge, who has a prior conviction for domestic abuse and had been out on bail, was remanded in custody as he awaits sentencing
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