A man has been jailed for life after murdering his elderly neighbour over a trivial dispute involving a paintbrush.
David Hill, 57, attacked 77-year-old Kurt Giwisser in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in February 2023 after being unhappy with the condition of a paintbrush he had loaned to him.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Hill banged on Mr. Giwisser’s door demanding entry. When the pensioner opened it, Hill forced his way inside and repeatedly punched and kicked him. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Mr. Giwisser managed to call emergency services and was treated in hospital, but tragically died in April 2023.
Hill has been ordered to serve a minimum of 17 years in prison for the murder.
In a heartfelt statement, Mr. Giwisser’s family described him as a “gentle, caring and proud man” who always looked immaculate and loved playing guitar. They said: “Since the day he was taken from us, our lives have been filled with grief, fear and emptiness. Family gatherings feel incomplete. There is an empty space where he should be. The trauma of having to decide to end life support, the cruelty of the violence he suffered, and the lifelong grief we must now live with has changed us forever.”
Detective Inspector Suzanne Hall, who led the investigation, said: “Kurt Giwisser was fit, healthy, and very much enjoying life until all that was taken away in a brutal attack by the violent bully who he was unlucky enough to have as his neighbour. The impact of Kurt’s loss on his daughters, grandchildren and friends has been clear to see, and I hope they can take some comfort from seeing him convicted and sentenced by the court today.”
