Retiree admits guilt in tragic crash that claimed schoolgirl's life
This issue is widely discussed in the British Isles. Retiree John Noble Lindsay is 92, but his advanced age has not stopped him from getting behind the wheel. The man admitted to causing the death of an eight-year-old girl in August 2023. The cause of the accident was said to be the retiree's careless driving.
The 92-year-old from Prince Andrew Way appeared in the Crown Court in Belfast on Wednesday.
Initially, he was charged with causing the death of eight-year-old Scarlett Rossborough by dangerous driving on High Street in Carrickfergus. However, the prosecution requested that another charge be added - causing death by careless driving. The 92-year-old admitted to this charge.
Lindsay's lawyer emphasised that his client did not dispute from the beginning that he was responsible for the schoolgirl's death.
The only issue is whether his driving is to be properly labelled in law as dangerous or careless, conveyed lawyer O'Donoghue in court in Belfast.
Pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. "This is how seniors behave"
The defence of the accused even sought an opinion from a geriatrician on the matter.
We have a report from a consultant geriatrician who comments and reports about pedal misapplication. Pedal misapplication is where an elderly person presses the accelerator rather than the brake thinking they are pressing the brake and in this case there are features of that. It is my intention to serve that on the Crown in the next seven days and make that part of the evidence in this case, said Mr. O'Donoghue.
Meanwhile, the prosecuting attorney, David Russell KC, stated that in light of the accused's admission of guilt, he formally requests that the 92-year-old be stripped of his driving licence.
The judge granted the prosecution's request. Lindsay faces one more hearing - causing death by dangerous driving. The hearing is scheduled for 4 November.
