A 91-year-old man has been ordered to stand trial accused of causing the death of a school girl in Co Antrim last year.
Eight-year-old Scarlett Rossborough was knocked down and killed while walking with a group of children along High Street in Carrickfergus in August 2023.
Appearing via video link from his home for a preliminary enquiry was John Noble Lindsay of Prince Andrew Way in the town.
Watching proceedings from the public gallery at Belfast Magistrates' Court were family and friends of the late Scarlett Rossborough.
The defendant is charged that he caused the death by driving dangerously.
Asked by the court clerk if he understood the charge he faced, Mr Lindsay replied: "I do, Your Worship.''
He declined to say anything in answer to the charge. He further declined to call any evidence or tender any witnesses on his behalf.
A prosecution lawyer told the hearing that based on the papers before him he believed the defendant had a prima facie case to answer.
Defence barrister Stephen Molloy told the court the defendant was appearing via video link from his home as he is currently recovering from an operation on his stomach performed within the past two weeks.
"I am aware that members of the deceased's family are present in court. We are very eager for this case to proceed and I know the family wish the case to move as quickly as possible as well,'' said Mr Molloy.
Mr Lindsay was released on his own bail of £500.
Scarlett Rossborough was from Larne where she attended Linn Primary School.
Following her death, teachers at the school said she was "a much-loved pupil" who would "always be remembered for her infectious giggles and sense of fun".
The school added that Scarlett was very popular with both staff and pupils and that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She and the other children are understood to have been on a community centre's summer scheme trip when the incident happened.
