Date set for trial against pensioner for fatal accidental death

In three months, the trial of a 91-year-old man accused of causing the death of a schoolgirl through dangerous driving is scheduled to take place.

Eight-year-old Scarlett Rossborough died on August 9, 2023, when a car ploughed into a group of children in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.

John Noble Lindsay, of Prince Andrew Way in the city, is accused of causing her death.

On Wednesday, a defence lawyer told the judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court that he hoped to avoid a trial and would apply for a four-week adjournment to allow further evidence to be gathered.

The lawyer said he needed time to hire a geriatrician to assess his client's life expectancy because he was suffering from an illness.

He also referred to his client's career as a police officer and his “exemplary track record”, which includes the fact that he “never received a penalty point”.

Judge Patricia Smyth set a trial date of November 4 and said it was “a tragedy of unimaginable proportions and I offer my sincere condolences to the family.”

Mr Lindsay remains free on bail until that date.