Joshua Watkins accused of stabbing man at Lane Cove Valley Walk in North Ryde
A teenage graffiti vandal accused of stabbing a 57-year-old man who allegedly called him a “d**khead” has told the court he was acting in self-defence.
Northern District Times
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A teenage graffiti vandal accused of stabbing a 57-year-old man who allegedly called him a “d**khead” has pleaded his innocence, telling the court it was self-defence.
Joshua James Watkins, of Normanhurst, was spotted with a 16-year-old boy ‘tagging’ a footbridge along the Lane Cove Valley Walk in North Ryde about 5pm Wednesday when the older man allegedly hurled abuse and swore at the pair.
Police will allege that an argument took place, escalating when Watkins allegedly took out a four-inch knife and pushed the older man, saying the words “I’m going to cut you” and “I’m going to get you good”.
The older man then allegedly pulled out a glass-cutting knife from his pocket and warned Watkins to stop.
In Liverpool Local Court on Thursday, Watkin’s lawyer accepted that “argy-bargy” had taken place but said the teenager didn’t have a knife on him.
“Mr Watkins will be advancing a case of self defence,” she said.
“He doesn’t carry a knife, he didn’t bring a knife. There was some argy-bargy then a knife was produced. He didn’t bring the knife. It then moved very quickly.”
Elderly couple Marissa and Nick, who live just metres away from the footbridge at Magdala Park where the alleged stabbing took place, said they were shocked to see ambulances and police cars swarm the “very quiet street”.
“This morning there were about four or five police cars,” Marissa told The Times.
“We have no problems whatsoever - nothing happens here.”
Ryde resident Jennifer said she saw a couple of police cars when she went for a run this morning.
“I went for a run this morning and they were all there again this morning,” she said.
She said she usually runs down Epping Highway, across the bridge and up Magdala Road and was shocked to hear about the incident.
“I’ve lived here about 17 years and never had any problems.”
Watkins, who had been living with his girlfriend’s family in Glenorie, was refused bail.
He has pleaded not guilty to reckless wounding but pleaded guilty to possession of 4g of cannabis. The matter will return to court in July.
The 16-year-old has been released without charge, pending further inquiries.