Neighbours rowed days before death
Murder trial finally opens after two years
A pensioner described the man his son is charged with murdering as a ” neighbour from hell”.
Harry Hood told a jury that living beside 60- year- old Arthur Green had been a nightmare for him and his wife Sarah.
This included a slab being put through the couple’s window days before Mr Green was found dead in his home in Pleasantfield Road, Prestwick.
Mr Hood, 76, was giving evidence at the High Court in Glasgow.
His 46- year- old son Harry Hood junior, Dale Russell, 36, and Ross Russell, 35, are accused of killing Mr Green.
The OAP was the first witness in the trial and said his street had been a lovely neighbourhood for him and his 72 year- old wife.
He said there was no issues until matters changed “big- time” when Mr Green moved next door around four years ago.
Mr Hood said the noise was horrendous and often went on 24/ 7.
Mr Green was also said to have a dog that barked at all hours.
Prosecutor Iain McSporran QC asked: “Was he causing the problems or the persons coming to the home?”
Mr Hood: “I blame him because he was inviting the people there.”
The OAP went on: “He was just a neighbour from hell.”
Mr Hood told the jury he reported the incidents to the council, who suggested the couple should move.
He eventually started keeping a log of the problems he had with next door.
He said he also had issues with the boyfriend of Mr Green’s daughter when he visited. Mr Hood nicknamed him Headbanger.
The pensioner said this man would often stare into his home or throw cans in his front lawn.
The court heard that in November 2014 a slab was chucked through the old couple’s window.
Mr Hood recalled: “The daughter ’ s boyfriend had threatened the wife at the front door then me at the back door.
“I told him to get out of the road or I would call the police. The daughter’s boyfriend threw a half slab through the window where I had been sitting before.”
The couple went to live at their daughter’s house before deciding to return.
The trial heard that it was on November 20, 2014, that Mr Green was discovered dead in his house.
Mr Hood told the jury: “I don’t believe my son done this.”
Hood jnr, of Ayr, Dale Russell, of Girvan, and Ross Russell, of Maidens, deny the charge. They also pled not guilty to attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
The trial, before Judge Bill Dunlop, continues.