Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine:

Neville Barrett, a 38-year-old pedal cyclist, became the seventh road fatality in the St. Catherine North Police Division since the start of the year, one more than the corresponding period last year.

Reports are that Barrett was riding towards Old Harbour when he was hit by a Honda motor car at about 6:40 a.m.

The car, which was driven by Clive Clarke of a Hayes address in Clarendon, was said to be travelling towards Spanish Town when the driver overtook a line of traffic, rode the right embankment, and collided with Barrett's bicycle, killing him on the spot.

The vehicle, which was extensively damaged, was examined by the police, and Clarke was charged with manslaughter after an initial investigation.

He later appeared before the Resident Magistrate's Court and was remanded in custody until March 27 when he will reappear. By then the investigating officer, Sergeant Osbourne Fearon, is hoping to complete the file.