Michael Gilbert
A family member involved in the death and dismembering of 'slave' Michael Gilbert, who's headless body was found in a lagoon beauty spot, has told a jury that his mother and father were not implicated.
Richard Watt, 25 is giving evidence for the prosecution in the trial at Luton Crown Court where six defendants deny various charges related to the murder of Mr Gilbert.
The prosecution allege that he was kept as a slave by the family at their home in Marlborough Road, Luton and effectively tortured to death.
Richard's older brother James Watt, 27, is said to be the ring leader of events leading up to the victim's death on Jan 21 2009.
The body was then cut up at the family home and driven to the Blue Lagoon at Arlesey, Beds.
The torso was recovered in May last year and the head found in the same lagoon recently.
Before the court are: James Watt, 27, Robert Watt, 20, Natasha Oldfield, 29, and Nichola Roberts, 21, who are all charged with murder and plead not guilty.
James Watt has pleaded guilty to the charge of familial homicide but Robert Watt, Natasha Oldfield, Nichola Roberts, Jennifer Smith-Dennis, 58, and Antonio Watt, 70, all plead not guilty to familial homicide.
Some also face charges of perverting the course of justice.
Smith-Dennis and Antonio Watt, are the parents of the Watt brothers.
Natasha Oldfield is James Watt's girlfriend and Nichola Roberts was the girlfriend of Richard Watt at the time.
Richard Watt has been giving evidence over the course of six days.
Today he was cross examined by barristers defending his mother Jennifer and father Antonio.
He said his mother did not treat Michael like a slave and that he regarded her like a mother, but he said she was powerless to prevent anything that James was doing because she was scared of him.
The son said she played no part in his death, tried to help Michael when he was obviously ill, but was under instructions from James not to call in outside help.
She was shocked and horrified when she found him dead. He said she was out of the house when the body was cut up and taken away, and played no part in that.
He said she had cleaned up the bathroom but that was something she always did.
He also said his father was never at home at that time. He would leave for work about 4.30 am then go to the pub after work, getting home about 8pm.
Then he would eat his dinner and go to bed. Richard Watt said his father did not even know that Michael Gilbert had died, until the body was recovered and his sons were arrested.
Geoffrey Birch, defending Jennifer Smith-Dennis asked Richard what life had been like in the family home.
The witness agreed with suggestions that his mother 'bore the brunt' of the household chores and was also the carer for an uncle who lived with them and suffered from dementia.
"Is it fair to say that your mum had a hard time trying to cope with family matters?" asked the barrister and Richard agreed that was true.
He also agreed that James was a "control freak and a violent bully" and said he was like a pressure cooker that could explode at a moment's notice.
Mr Birch then said: "When James was not around the Watt household was a different place," and Richard replied: "Yes, it was happy, everybody got on."
Richard Watt has previously alleged that James would punch and kick Michael if he did not do his chores and errands quickly enough.
Other punishments included having his arm pits waxed, his pubic hair set alight and mole grips attached to his testicles.
Twice he got away but James set out to find him and brought him back. Then he was made to wear only boxer shorts all day, his shoes were taken from him and he was handcuffed to a bed as he slept on the floor at night.
The beatings got worse, claimed Richard Watt. His feet were burned with boiling water, he was struck with wood, had wood placed across his mouth while people would hold it and perform press ups, he was hit on the knees and stomach with a snooker ball.
Shortly before his death a new punishment was introduced and his stomach was jumped on.
"I knew it wasn't right, none of it was right. I spoke to James but he gave me a mouthful and told me to keep out of it."
All defendants, except Miss Roberts live at Chertsey Close, Luton. Roberts is from Burford Close, Luton.
The case continues.