Driver Charged in Fatal Scooter Collision

Community expresses outrage after boy dies in hit-and-run.

A 51-year-old man faces multiple charges in connection to a hit-and-run incident in Co Down that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy. The suspect reportedly admitted to drinking before the collision.

Charges Filed Against Driver

**Peter Andrew Milligan**, 51, appeared before the Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing 11 charges including causing death by dangerous driving, failure to stop, and failure to report an accident. He also faces charges related to driving without insurance or a license, and refusing a breathalyzer.

Additional charges stem from a second crash shortly after the initial collision. The victim, **Lucas Trainor**, was riding a scooter when he was struck by a red Skoda Fabia.

Court Testimony Reveals Details

A PSNI detective constable testified that police responded to a report of a road collision in Portaferry on Tuesday evening. **Lucas** was found with serious injuries and later died. Witnesses reported seeing a red Skoda speeding away from the scene.

The detective constable stated the vehicle had damage consistent with a collision, and that **Milligan** was found less than half a mile from the abandoned car. He had a fractured foot and refused a breath test. According to the officer, “a post-mortem examination…showed that **Lucas** died due to traumatic head injuries as a result of the collision.”

CCTV footage showed **Milligan** drinking in a bar before the incident. The detective constable stated, “He stated he was drinking in two bars in Strangford and Portaferry…before getting into his car to, in his words, ‘go for a spin’, despite being under the influence of alcohol.”

According to the detective, **Milligan** admitted to colliding with the victim and driving on, stating he panicked and didn’t know what he had hit.

Bail Denied Amid Community Anger

Police objected to bail, citing concerns for **Milligan’s** safety due to “significant anger in the local community.” The defense solicitor expressed **Milligan’s** “profound remorse and regret to the family of **Lucas** for the loss of an innocent child.”

District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons denied bail, remanding **Milligan** in custody until July 30. According to data from the Department of Justice, there were 147,444 DUI arrests in 2022 alone (BJS).

The investigation remains ongoing.