PORTAFERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND — Peter Andrew Milligan, 51, of Ashmount Park in Portaferry, has been remanded into custody following a tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of 12-year-old Lucas Trainor on July 8, 2025. Appearing at Newtownards Magistrates Court today, Milligan issued a public apology to Lucas’s grieving family, who were seated in the courtroom.
Speaking through his solicitor, Patrick Higgins, Milligan expressed:
“He has instructed me to express his sincere remorse and regret to the family of Lucas for the loss of their innocent son.”
Milligan now faces 11 serious charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and report an accident, and driving without a license or insurance. Additional charges relate to refusing a breath sample and driving under the influence of alcohol. He admitted to police that he had been drinking and was unfit to drive when he struck Lucas, who was riding an electric scooter.
Details of the Tragedy
According to Detective Constable Martin of Bangor CID, Milligan struck Lucas on The Strand in Portaferry at around 11:02 p.m. and fled the scene. Lucas was pronounced dead despite emergency medical efforts, with a post-mortem confirming that he suffered a traumatic head injury.
Just 15 minutes later, Milligan crashed the red Skoda Fabia into a wall on Loughdoo Road and abandoned the vehicle. Officers later located Milligan just under half a mile from the crash scene, suffering from a broken ankle.
In custody, Peter Milligan reportedly made full admissions before being shown any evidence. He told police that he was drunk, unlicensed, uninsured, and panicked after the initial crash. He also admitted to drinking earlier at pubs in Strangford and Portaferry, then deciding to “go for a spin.”
After caution, Milligan reportedly stated:
“I am so sorry for the death of Lucas. Please give my condolences to his poor mother and father. I will regret this to the day I die.”
Long History of Offenses
DC Martin testified that Milligan has 60 previous convictions, including 25 traffic-related offenses, two prior DUIs, and driving while disqualified. He allegedly has not held a valid license or insurance since 2007, and police were told he often “bragged” about it.
Milligan’s record, DC Martin argued, demonstrates a consistent disregard for road safety laws, with minimal time spent outside prison without reoffending.
Bail Denied
Defense solicitor Patrick Higgins proposed bail conditions, including an alcohol ban and restrictions from operating any vehicle. But District Judge Natasha Fitzsimmons rejected the request, citing the defendant’s long criminal history and prior breach of court orders.
“Given Milligan’s record, especially involving disqualified driving, I do not consider there are any bail conditions to manage the risk,” Judge Fitzsimmons ruled.
Peter Milligan will remain in custody and is scheduled to appear again via video link on July 30, 2025.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Lucas Trainor has left the Portaferry community in heartbreak and outrage. Tributes have been laid at the crash site, and there are growing calls for tougher enforcement against habitual traffic offenders.
Lucas, described by friends and family as kind, curious, and full of life, was riding his e-scooter when Milligan, intoxicated and unlicensed, ended his young life in a moment of reckless decision-making.
As the legal process continues, the Trainor family and the entire community now face the long road of grief and justice.
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