Special Constable Jason Thompson, 27, was arrested and charged yesterday with manslaughter arising from the fatal shooting of 11-month-old Broderick 'Pharell' Wright on March Pen Road, Spanish Town, St Catherine on March 6.

He appeared in the Home Circuit Court yesterday and was offered bail in the sum of $1.5 million with one to three sureties. He is to return to court on May 9.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn ruled this week that the policeman must be charged with manslaughter and the trial must take place in Kingston.

Attorney-at-law Peter Champagnie in making the bail application before Supreme Court Judge Kay Beckford, emphasised that the policeman was acting in self defence. He said his client was contending that shots were being fired from the motor car.

The judge ordered the policeman to report to the Commanding Officer at Mobile Reserve, Harman Barracks, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He is to surrender his travel documents to the police.

The Crown is alleging that on March 6, a police team chased a taxi operator who allegedly committed a traffic offence. During the chase shots were fired and a bullet struck the toddler who was in his yard.