Life Sentence for Steven Greig in Taxi Driver’s Brutal Murder

A career criminal has been sentenced to life imprisonment after the death of a taxi driver who was violently attacked over a cigarette request. Steven Greig, 47, was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison after being convicted of the murder of Mark Ward, 55, who succumbed to injuries inflicted during the attack in Dundee on April 6, 2022.

The attack began when Greig, high on drugs, approached Ward, a taxi driver, who was standing beside an electric vehicle charging point. Greig requested a cigarette, and when Ward refused, he became aggressive. Greig punched the taxi driver to the ground, causing him to fall down a steep embankment and hit his head. He then kicked Ward in the head multiple times before walking away from the scene. The brutal assault left Ward severely injured, requiring constant care for nearly a year.

Ward suffered a traumatic head injury, and despite receiving 24-hour care, he passed away on April 5, 2023. His death was directly caused by the injuries inflicted during the attack. Greig had initially pleaded guilty to assault and received a sentence of five years and four months. However, after Ward’s death, the case was revisited, and Greig was convicted of murder under the principle of double jeopardy. This allowed for a retrial, which ultimately led to his life sentence.

Judge Lady Drummond, who oversaw the sentencing, described the attack as "senseless, violent, and unprovoked." She noted that Greig had no prior connection to Ward and was under the influence of drugs at the time. Lady Drummond stated:

"This was a senseless violent and unprovoked attack on a stranger to you."
She also pointed out Greig’s lengthy criminal history, including his unemployment for over 25 years and increasing criminal behavior since his first conviction in 1993. Greig's lack of remorse for his actions was also highlighted during the trial.

Ward’s family was devastated by the loss. His family described him as a "much-loved and highly intelligent man" who had worked all his life. Lady Drummond mentioned:

"Mr Ward’s family described him as a much-loved and highly intelligent man who had worked all his life."
They had to witness his gradual decline in health following the attack, which added further emotional strain.

Greig's defense lawyer, Iain Paterson KC, presented mitigating factors, including Greig’s difficult upbringing and the possibility that he was suffering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Paterson said:

"Clearly what happened in relation to the incident was not a pre-planned or premeditated incident. It is a tragedy it has occurred for the deceased’s family."
However, these factors were not enough to reduce the gravity of the crime, and Greig was ultimately sentenced for murder.

Detective Inspector Craig Kelly, who led the investigation, condemned the brutality of the attack. He stated:

"Mark Ward endured a violent and unprovoked attack as he was going about a normal working day. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends who have also suffered immensely because of Greig’s brutal actions."
He also expressed relief that such violent crimes are rare, noting the resources that were used to ensure Greig was brought to justice.

Moira Orr, who oversees homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, added:

"This is a rare situation where someone has already previously been convicted of a crime and is prosecuted again under the same circumstances but for a different crime."
She emphasized the difficulty of the case and how important it was for Ward’s family to see justice served, despite the tragic circumstances.

In the wake of this case, there is a renewed focus on ensuring the safety of those in professions like taxi driving, where individuals are vulnerable to attacks by strangers. It also brings attention to the consequences of drug-induced violence and the need for greater support systems for individuals with criminal histories. Newcastle criminal jailed after repeated attacks on taxis