A MAN charged with the murder of his new wife on a Barrier Reef diving holiday has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
American David Gabe Watson, 32, appeared in the Brisbane Supreme Court this morning charged of murdering his bride, Tina, 26, while diving on the Great Barrier Reef near Townsville in October 23, 2003.
Three weeks ago Watson voluntarily traveled from the US and arrived at Brisbane’s International Airport and immediately surrendered himself into police custody.
He appeared in court on the same day and was ordered to be held in custody.
Watson’s wife of 11 days died on their first dive of a 10-day scuba-diving expedition on the Great Barrier Reef, off Townsville, in October 2003.