The three police officers charged with manslaughter, arising from the death of 31-year-old construction worker Mario Deane in a cell at the Barnett Street police station in St. James, are to stand trial.

They are Corporal Elaine Stewart and District Constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant.

The accused officers are to be tried at the next session of the St. James Circuit Court in September.

Defence lawyers representing the police officers had made a no case submission at the end of the preliminary inquiry and the judge had put off her ruling until today (May 4).

When the police officers returned to court today, Parish Judge Sandria Wong-Small ruled against the no case submission and committed them to stand trial.

The police officers are also facing charges of misconduct in public office and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Deane, who was taken into custody in august 2014 in connection with possession of a ganja spiff, was beaten severely in the lockup and subsequently succumbed to the injuries three days later in hospital.

One of the witnesses in the case, 24-year-old Fahdeal Ferguson was shot and killed last month.

Three inmates are also charged in connection with the death of Deane and their case is before the St. James Circuit Court.