KINGSTON, Jamaica — Businessman Bruce Bicknell pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice at the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s court today.

Bicknell is accused of making comments to police officers during a spot check in East Kingston, which led to them believe he was trying to bribe them after they charged him for speeding in East Kingston.

A stop order that was issued against Bicknell last week was lifted by Resident Magistrate Georgianna Fraser to allow him to travel overseas on September 14. He is scheduled to return to the island on September 19.

Senior Superintendent James Forbes, who faces a similar charge also had his bail extended.

Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament, Dary Vaz, who is charged under Section 14 of the Corruption Prevention Act for allegedly promising favor to the officers who charged Bicknell if they yanked the traffic ticket issued to Bicknell, also had his bail extended.

During this morning's proceedings, the prosecution said it no longer needed a statement from Police Commissioner Owen Ellington as it wasn't vital to their case.

All three are expected to return to court on October 3.