Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

A hearing-impaired man, who allegedly reversed a motor van killing a baby and injuring an 11-year-old boy in Barrett Town, St. James, early last year, is undergoing classes in sign language before a preliminary enquiry can begin in the matter.

When the matter was mentioned before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, the court was informed that the accused, 34-year-old Derrick Edwards, still needed additional classes to increase his competence in sign language, to better communicate with his lawyer and to understand what was being said in court.

Vehicular manslaughter

The Barrett Town resident was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving without a driver's licence and having no motor vehicle insurance in March last year, after he drove a car, which the owner left him to wash, causing the death of five-month-old Jaheim Miller and injuring an 11-year-old boy.

He was granted $100,000 bail on his first court appearance. He is scheduled to return to court on April 10.

Allegations are that about 6:30 p.m. on March 24, Orville McDowe left his van for Edwards to wash.

Reports are that the accused reversed the vehicle and hit the 11-year-old child, who was walking with the five-month-old child. It is said that the boy banged on the vehicle to get Edwards' attention but to no avail.