yesterday -- because a key defence witness could not attend.

Daniel Anthony Jerome Cann, of South Road, Paget, will reappear in Supreme Court on February 7.

The 41-year-old is accused of murdering ten-month-old Cannice Joann White.

He is also charged with causing the baby grievous bodily harm on May 29, 1991.

An inquest into the baby's death was adjourned in November, 1992. Cann was later charged by Police.

Yesterday Cann, represented by Mr. Delroy Duncan, appeared before Acting Chief Justice the Hon. Mrs. Justice Wade. Mr. Duncan asked for the case to be adjourned because a defence witness from abroad -- a forensic expert -- could not be present.

It was beyond the defence's control to do anything about it, he added.

Crown Counsel Mr. Stephen Harrison told the court the prosecution was prepared to proceed, although he understood the defence's difficulties.

He urged against adjourning until next week because certain Crown witnesses would not be available to attend. "The case would have to be set over for a new date to be fixed.'' The Acting Chief Justice said "in the interests of justice'' she had no choice but to adjourn the hearing until the next arraignments session on February 7.

She apologised to potential jurors who were waiting to be sworn in. Cann's $30,000 bail was extended.