The trial of 42-year-old Kingston businessman, Stephen Bitter, who is charged with the murder of his 90-year-old grand-father, Ronald Bitter, has been set for October 1.

Bitter's case was set for trial yesterday, but was put off because some of the Crown's witnesses were absent.

Attorney-at-law Ravil Golding, who is representing Bitter, argued that Bitter was in custody for more than two years and his trial had to be put off on several occasions because of absent witnesses.

Justice Courtney Daye granted Bitter bail in the sum of $250,000 with surety.

It was reported at first that the deceased Ronald Bitter had fallen and hurt himself at his home in Mon St. Andrew.

The post mortem report disclosed that there were broken ribs and damage to his liver. The injuries were consistent with a severe beating.

The Crown is alleging that, on September 16, 2003, Bitter severelybeat his grandfather resulting in his death.