John Noble Lindsay received a suspended sentence after causing the tragic death of schoolgirl Scarlett Rossborough in Co Antrim
Carrickfergus: John Noble Lindsay was given a 10-month suspended sentence at Belfast Crown Court. He didn’t have to be there in person because of his health issues and joined the hearing via video link.
As Scarlett’s family watched from the gallery, Judge Patricia Smyth honored the eight-year-old who tragically lost her life while walking on High Street on August 9, 2023.
The judge also supported Scarlett’s family in their push for ‘Scarlett’s Law,’ which aims to change rules for elderly drivers to enhance public safety.
Scarlett was a student at Linn Primary School in Larne and was out with a group from a local community center enjoying a day at Carrick Castle.
Before the accident, Lindsay had parked in a disabled spot. CCTV showed him getting in and out of his car before he tried to re-park it.
While moving the car back and forth, he accidentally hit three children on the sidewalk, with Scarlett being trapped between his car and a wall.
The car was going about 11 to 13 mph at the time, and the court mentioned that ‘pedal misapplication’ might have caused the crash.
Two kids were thrown into a shop doorway but didn’t get hurt badly. Sadly, Scarlett suffered severe injuries and couldn’t be saved.
During sentencing, Judge Smyth expressed how heartbreaking the situation was. She described Scarlett as a beloved child, full of kindness and dreams.
Scarlett had big plans for her future, even dreaming of owning an apartment in New York. The judge highlighted how much joy she brought to her family.
The judge noted that Scarlett’s family now faces an empty chair at their dinner table, a painful reminder of their loss.
Scarlett’s mother has been counting the days since her daughter’s passing, feeling haunted by the tragedy, while her father struggles to cope with the loss.
The judge mentioned a tree planted in Scarlett’s memory, symbolizing the impact she had on everyone who knew her.
Addressing Scarlett’s family, the judge acknowledged that no sentence could ease their grief or bring back their precious girl.
She recognized that Lindsay, a former RUC officer, was devastated by the accident but emphasized that his feelings couldn’t compare to the family’s suffering.
Lindsay had a clean driving record for 72 years and gave up his license the day after the incident. The judge noted his frail health and limited life expectancy.
Describing the case as “exceptional,” Judge Smyth considered Lindsay’s age, health, and previous good character before deciding on the suspended sentence.
She also banned him from driving for a year, calling the suspension an act of mercy.
