JURY selection was due to begin in the case of three men accused of the death of Orpington toddler Paul Gallagher while on holiday in the Bahamas.

James Bain, Clifford Nottage and Evangeless Williamson are charged with negligent manslaughter in connection with the boy’s death nearly six years ago.

Two-year-old Paul, of Repton Road, died from massive head injuries after a speedboat mounted the beach in the Atlantis beach resort and struck him, in August 2002.

Defence lawyer Lisa Bostwick argued the pre-trial publicity could hurt the men’s chance of a fair trial.

But Bahamian Supreme Court Justice Elliot Lockhart said that legal safeguards existed to ensure that the men’s constitutional rights were protected.

Ms Bostwick complained about press reports that were published after the men were arraigned on the charge.

She said that articles suggested that the men were guilty and this could taint the jury pool.

Justice Lockhart said: “When you think of the mechanics and safeguards in place, I do not think you should have a concern.”