read out to murder trial jurors yesterday.

It was the last piece of evidence from the prosecution, which says Watson attacked 68-year-old Wilbur Doe with a wrench on December 9, 1988, leaving him in a pool of blood on his kitchen floor.

Watson has pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder.

The five-page letter, written in red and black ink, was read to the jury by Det. Sgt. Keith Cassidy, Police expert on fingerprints and handwriting.

Det. Sgt. Cassidy said Watson had definitely touched it, and "in all probability'' wrote it.

The letter appeared to be written to Ricky Smith, who has been jailed for robbing Doe on the night of the attack.

It said: "I do feel remorse for getting you into such a mess, which has us both in solitude. It has always been my plan to get you back out there in the world with your family...

"Ricky Smith stayed outside. Ricky Smith came inside only after I called him.'' It continued: "Don't worry about what has been said in statement. We have a good chance of both getting out of here but we'll need each other ...

"You heard voices inside. You could not make out what was being said. You did not see Watson hit Mr. Doe at any time ...

"If you had to assume if in fact Watson carry (sic) out the attack on Mr. Doe or not, you would think he did. You did not see anybody else. You did see the wrench in his hand ...

"Watson did not give you the impression he was going to do such a thing.'' Finally, it spoke of a "plan'' to get them both free.

"We can win this easy,'' it said. "Look in the dictionary and find `duress'.'' The letter was signed "Your friend''.

Det. Sgt. Cassidy said he was given the letter by a detective in August, 1989.

Questioned by defence lawyer Mr. Tim Marshall, he said he did not know if it had been written in response to a conversation or a previous letter.

Mr. Marshall said nowhere in the letter did it state Watson was responsible for the attack. He asked Det. Sgt. Cassidy: "The author never comes out and states that Watson did it, does he?'' "I believe not,'' said Det. Sgt. Cassidy.

Mr. Marshall continued: "Would you agree that this letter is attempting to shelter `Ricky' from responsibility?'' "It could be interpreted that way, yes,'' replied Det. Sgt. Cassidy. The jury was then sent out of the court while Mr. Marshall made legal points to the judge, Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood.

Legal discussion is expected to continue this morning. The trial is scheduled to end this week.