The three policemen who are charged with the murder of reputed gunman, 25-year-old Noel Barnes, of Bull Bay, St Andrew, are to return to the Home Circuit Court on February 3 when their trial will begin.

They are Constables Lerone Witter and Kirk Nunes and District Constable Ukent Edwards.

The new trial date was set today when the policemen appeared in court.

Justice Donald McIntosh extended their bail.

A retrial was ordered on March 30 last year after the jury failed to arrive at a unanimous verdict.

The Crown is alleging that on the night of August 27, 1999, Barnes was shot dead in bushes at Bito district, near Bull Bay. Barnes was wanted for various offences, including rape and shooting with intent.

The Crown claims that Barnes was killed in cold blood. The policemen, however, say that Barnes fired at them and they acted in self-defence.