Attempted murder accused pleads for bail, says life at risk in prison

A Blygezight Gardens man charged with attempting to murder his brother-in-law returned to court on Friday, where he made an emotional plea for bail, claiming that his life is in danger while on remand. The accused, Enoch Watson, appeared virtually before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty when his matter was called for continuation. Watson was initially charged and remanded when he first appeared before the court on November 14.

During Friday’s proceedings, Watson requested permission to address the court directly. The Magistrate allowed him to speak. In his address, Watson told the court that he has already “paid” for mistakes made in his past, stating that he had been incarcerated three to four times previously.

He maintained, however, that he is not saying that he is not guilty of some of the allegations against him. Addressing the incident involving his brother-in-law, Travis Elias, Watson told the court that the altercation escalated after what he described as provocation, claiming that it was a situation of self-defence.

Watson alleged that during the confrontation, it was “either he chop me, or I chop him” and claimed that his actions were taken while defending himself. He told the court that he was provoked to anger and insisted that he did not intend for the matter to reach the stage it has. The accused also made an appeal to his family, asking for peace, understanding and forgiveness, and stated that he wishes to be released from custody.

Watson further claimed that while in prison on Thursday night, he nearly lost his life, alleging that another inmate attempted to choke him to death. He told the court that his life is at risk while incarcerated and said he is being harassed in prison. Based on those claims, Watson pleaded with the Magistrate to grant him bail, insisting that remaining on remand places him in danger.

When given an opportunity to address the court, the virtual complainant, Travis Elias, described Watson as disrespectful and recounted ongoing tensions between them. Elias also told the court that Watson had taken his son’s phone, which contributed to continued disagreements between them.

When asked by the Magistrate whether he would be willing to have the matter resolved following Watson’s request for forgiveness, Elias said he could not agree to the dismissal of the case. However, he indicated that if the accused wished for the matter to be resolved, compensation would be required. In response, Magistrate McGusty made it clear that any discussion regarding compensation cannot take place within the courtroom, stating that such matters must be addressed outside of the judicial process. She advised that once the parties reach a position, they may return to court for further determination.

The matter was adjourned to January 30, when the court is expected to receive an update on the way forward. Watson remains on remand.