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A Bedford man charged in a fatal car-pedestrian collision in Dartmouth in February wants his bail conditions varied so he can drive while he awaits trial.

Matthew Gerald Kennedy, 25, faces charges of criminal negligence causing death and failing to stop at the scene of a fatal accident.

Lawyer Ron Pizzo announced in Dartmouth provincial court Thursday that Kennedy, who was not present, was electing to be tried in Nova Scotia Supreme Court by a judge alone.

The case will return to provincial court in August to set dates for a preliminary inquiry on just the criminal negligence charge.

During that court appearance, the judge will also hear an application from Kennedy to remove a release condition that prohibits him from being in the driver’s seat of any vehicle.

Prosecutor Janine Kidd told The Chronicle Herald the Crown is opposed to the request.

Gary Rogers, 57, died Feb. 22 after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Pleasant Street at about 5:50 a.m.

Kennedy, who was a radio and television student at the Nova Scotia Community College’s Ivany campus in Dartmouth at the time, was arrested that afternoon after someone saw a vehicle that appeared to have been involved in the collision.

Kennedy was released from custody Feb. 25 on a $1,500 recognizance. He must remain in Nova Scotia, live at a residence on Stoneridge Court in Bedford, follow an 11 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew and cannot apply for a passport.

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