A Co Antrim pensioner who knocked down and killed a schoolgirl in Carrickfergus is due receive his sentence for a charge of causing death by dangerous driving next week.
Eight-year old Scarlett Rossborough died after being struck by a car driven by John Noble Lindsay in August 2023.
Lindsay, who is 92 and from Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, admitted a charge of causing Scarlett’s death by dangerous driving and was due to appear at Belfast Crown Court for sentencing last month.
On December 9, 2024 he was excused from attending the sentence hearing as he was in hospital.
On that date Judge Patricia Smyth revealed she would be imposing a ten-month jail term upon Lindsay, which will be suspended for 12 months, “when he is well enough” to be sentenced.
Judge Smyth also indicated that the former RUC officer will be banned from driving for five years.
During last month’s hearing, it emerged that on August 9, 2023 Scarlett - who attended Linn Primary School in Larne - was amongst a group of children and adult leaders from a local community centre summer scheme enjoying a day out to Carrick Castle.
As the group was walking along the footpath on High Street, Lindsay’s car mounted the footpath and struck three children.
Whilst two of the youngsters were thrown into the doorway of a shop and didn’t suffer any serious injury, Scarlett was trapped between the rear of Lindsay’s car and the wall of an adjacent building.
In the direct aftermath of the collision, members of the public rushed to help and signalled for Lindsay to move his car forward and both the PSNI and Ambulance Service attended the scene.
Due to the catastrophic injuries that she sustained, Scarlett could not be saved. The case was listed for mention today when Judge Smyth was addressed by Lindsay’s barrister who updated the court on his client’s health.
Defence barrister Steven Molloy said his solicitor received an email from Lindsay’s son which indicated the pensioner was discharged from hospital on the evening of December 9, 2024.
Mr Molloy said the email also outlined Lindsay’s current state of health which included laboured breathing, the regular consumption of painkillers and that he was “very unwell at the moment.”
He added that the case was not legally aided and was therefore not affected by the barrister’s strike which is due to commence next Monday January 6. Judge Smyth said she would impose the sentence next Friday, January 10 and confirmed Lindsay could either attend either in person or via videolink.