Tashieka Mair, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A hearing-impaired man, who allegedly reversed a motor van he was left to wash, killing a baby and injuring an 11-year-old boy in Barrett Town, St. James, was granted bail in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Thirty-four-year-old Derrick Edwards of Barrett Town, who is also unable to speak, was granted $100,000 bail with surety and is scheduled to return to the court on April 19.

Edwards is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, driving without a driver's licence and having no motor vehicle insurance.

'A tragic one'

Defence lawyer Dalton Reid, in his bail application, said the situation was "a tragic one". According to him, the family of the victims was initially angry with his client, but that they too have come to realise thatit was a tragic accident.

The court heard that five-month-old Jaheim Miller died after he sustained head injuries in the incident while his cousin sustained injuries to his right leg. The boy was treated at hospital and sent home.

Reports are that, about 6:30 p.m. on March 24, Orville McDowe left his van for Edwards to wash. Allegations are that the accused reversed the vehicle and hit the 11-year-old boy, who was walking with the five-month-old child. It is said that the boy knocked on the vehicle to get Edwards' attention but to no avail.