Remanded man claims prison attack, seeks bail

January 12 2025

A man accused of attempting to kill his brother-in-law returned before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he made an impassioned plea for his release, alleging that his safety is under serious threat while he remains on remand.

Enoch Watson, of Blygezight Gardens, appeared virtually before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty as his matter was called.

Watson was first charged and remanded when he appeared before the court on November 14, 2025, stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on November 9, 2025.

Watson is accused of unlawfully wounding Travis Elias, his brother-in-law, with intent to murder him during a confrontation at their Blygezight Gardens residence.

When proceedings began on Friday, Watson asked the court for permission to speak on his own behalf. The magistrate allowed him to address the court.

In his remarks, Watson acknowledged that he has previously been incarcerated, stating that he had been imprisoned several times in the past, but argued that he has already paid the price for those prior actions.

He told the court that he should not be condemned for his history, insisting that he does not accept responsibility for all the allegations now before the court.

Speaking about the alleged attack, Watson claimed the incident arose out of a heated dispute and maintained that he acted out of fear and self-preservation.

He told the magistrate that the situation escalated suddenly and claimed that he believed he was about to be harmed.

Watson alleged that he was provoked, and said his actions were not premeditated. He further claimed that the confrontation resulted in his brother-in-law sustaining injuries while he was defending himself.

During his address, Watson also appealed directly to his relatives, asking them for forgiveness and understanding, and said he wished for peace within the family.

He told the court that his only desire is to be released so that the matter does not continue to destroy family relationships.

The accused then raised concerns about his conditions while on remand, claiming that his life is in danger inside the prison.

He alleged that on Thursday night, another inmate attempted to strangle him, leaving him fearful for his safety.

Watson further claimed that he has been pressured and questioned by other prisoners, and told the court that remaining in custody places him at constant risk. Based on these claims, he pleaded with the magistrate to grant him bail.

When invited to respond, the virtual complainant, Travis Elias, addressed the court and described ongoing problems between himself and Watson.

He told the magistrate that the accused is disrespectful, and pointed to repeated disagreements within the household.

Elias also alleged that Watson had previously taken his son’s mobile phone, which he said contributed to the ongoing tension between them.

When Magistrate McGusty asked Elias whether he was willing to consider resolving the matter following Watson’s request for forgiveness, Elias said he could not support the withdrawal of the charges.

However, he indicated that he would consider resolution only if compensation was offered.

In response, Magistrate McGusty made it clear that any discussion involving compensation must occur outside of the courtroom, explaining that the court cannot facilitate such arrangements.

She advised the parties to address the issue privately and return to court once a position is reached.

Watson was ultimately denied bail and remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to January 30 to continue.