After more than two years, and 38 mention dates in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court, the case against 28-year-old Oniel Watt who is charged with the murder of a law student and his brother in St James has still not gone to trial.

On Wednesday when the case was mentioned, the court was told that the prosecution was still awaiting response from the director of public prosecutions (DPP) to a request for a voluntary bill.

However, defence attorney Morrel Beckford was dissatisfied with the slow progress of the matter.

Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry urged the prosecution to make every effort to communicate with the DPP so the court can be told something substantial on March 17 when the matter is again mentioned.

Watt, who lives in Westgate Hills, was implicated in the August 2006 murder of 22-year-old law student Jason McPherson and his 19-year-old brother Bryan Smith in Montego Bay Heights. His $350,000 bail was extended.

Overheard plotting

Allegations are that Smith discovered US$5,000 missing after his home was visited by the accused in July and McPherson spoke to Watt about the matter. On August 8, Watt was overheard plotting with three other men to kill McPherson. Subsequently, Watt and his accomplices allegedly took the brothers to a secluded area under the guise that he would return the missing money. The men were instead tied up and shot to death.

Watt, who was before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court, was granted bail by in the sum of $350,000 with surety. RM Wilson Smith ordered the accused to report to the Mount Salem police on Mondays and Fridays.

RM Smith in considering the application by Watt's attorneys, Morrel Beckford and Natalie Massado, said though the evidence against the accused was compelling, he had to consider bail as the investigating officer was not carrying out his duty speedily.