Norman Beckford, the man charged with the death of 12 persons in 1996, had his bail extended in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

When Beckford made his appearance, the court was informed that it is seeking assistance from the director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The clerk of court told the court that a letter addressed to the DPP office is yet to get a reply.

As a result, Resident Magistrate Marcia Dunbar-Green said another mention date is necessary.

Allegations are that on July 4,1996, Jackson was driving a Toyota Hiace from Brown's Town, St Ann. Upon reaching the Bog Walk gorge near the Flat Bridge, he overtook a truck and lost control of the vehicle. It plunged into the Rio Cobre killing 12 passengers. Beckford who escaped unhurt fled the scene.

He was held in England 12 years later and returned to Jamaica where he was charged.

The investigators informed the court on Beckford's numerous appearances, that many attempts to locate witnesses have proven futile.

He will return to court on September 7 when the matter will again be mentioned.