A St. John’s man facing a Supreme Court jury trial for manslaughter was a no-show on a separate charge in provincial court this morning.

Fifty-four-year-old Des Downey was first charged two years ago in the death of a 71-year-old man more than a year earlier.

Police responded to a sudden death at a home in the east end of the city on the night of March 3rd, 2022.

It was later learned that the victim was allegedly involved in a fight with Downey on Wishingwell Road earlier in the day.

But it was more than a year later before police laid the manslaughter charge, in May of 2023.

Manslaughter is a step below second-degree murder and suggests someone caused a death without intent to kill.

Downey was committed to stand trial late last year following a preliminary inquiry, with trial set for November.

He has been largely free on bail, during which it’s alleged he committed another crime, theft under $5,000.

That charge was called this morning, but defence counsel said they’ve been unable to contact Downey, noting the more serious charge before Supreme Court.

Court was told efforts will continue to reach Downey prior to his next court date on July 21st.