THREE men charged in connection with the death of toddler Paul Gallagher nearly five years ago are to stand trial in a Bahamas court.

Two-year-old Paul, of Repton Road, Orpington, died after being hit by an unmanned, unlicensed and unregistered speedboat which mounted the beach as he slept in August 2002.

Following almost five years of campaigning, charges were brought against boat driver James Bain and craft owners Clifford Nottage and Evangeless Williamson in January.

They are all charged with manslaughter through negligence.

Williamson faces an additional charge of perjury.

They were released on bail ahead of a preliminary hearing at Nassau Magistrates' Court on April 13, where it was decided a trial will be held in the country's Supreme Court.

The case has been adjourned until May 18.

Paul's parents, Paul and Andrea, and his sister and brother Heather and Andrew are in the Bahamas.

News Shopper has been campaigning for Justice for Paul since February last year.