away from Christmas parties they were attending to hear Milton Shane Watson "confess'' to the crime, Supreme Court heard yesterday.

Det. Ch. Insp. Victor Richmond told jurors he was called away at Watson's request at around 11 p.m.

He testified that when he arrived, Watson proceeded to tell him he was the one who beat Doe to death with a wrench on the night of December 8, 1988.

The so-called confession lasted into the early hours of the morning. Watson denies the premeditated murder of 68-year-old Doe, who was the manager of the Bermuda Pharmacy.

Watson's "confession'' was read out in court on Thursday by Det. Ch. Insp.

Richmond.

In his cross examination of the detective, Watson's lawyer Mr. Tim Marshall tried to show jurors Watson's "confession'' was not consistent, and further, he only made it because Police forced him to.

Mr. Marshall charged Watson was just repeating a story fed to him by Police.

Mr. Marshall asked Det. Ch. Insp. Richmond if he thought Watson delivered the confession in a joking manner.

"No. He was deadly serious,'' he replied.

He testified Watson started out by saying, "The culprit you are looking for in regards to this incident is right here ...'' Mr. Marshall asked the detective if he bothered to look any further after hearing Watson's story.

The detective said Police had, and in fact, had someone in custody -- Ricky Smith who was with Watson the night the two went to Doe's Smith's Parish home.

Smith is currently in jail for robbing Doe that night.

Mr. Marshall asked if Watson's confession was so dramatic it sounded like it was coming straight out of novel.

"Not really,'' Det. Ch. Insp. Richmond said. But he did agree parts could be called dramatic. Mr. Marshall pointed out to the detective Watson had said in the "confession'' he delivered only three blows to Doe, but a doctor testified this week there were at least 10.

And he pointed out to the detective the murder weapon was found in Smith's truck.

"Didn't you ever consider the person found with the weapon is perhaps the culprit?,'' he asked.

The lawyer then asked if he agreed Watson gave the statement on oath. Det. Ch.

Insp. Richmond said he had not.

Mr. Marshall concluded his cross examination by asking the detective if he had made any inquiries into Watson's emotional and physical state during the "confession'' and question and answer period which followed.

"No,'' replied Det. Ch. Insp. Richmond.

The case continues on Monday.