'Bully' killed neighbour over 'trivial issue'

A man who attacked his neighbour in his own home "over a trivial issue" has been found guilty of murder.

Kurt Giwisser, 77, died as a result of injuries he sustained after being attacked by David Hill, 57, in February 2023, West Yorkshire Police said.

At Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, Hill, of South Cross Road, Huddersfield, was convicted of murder after a trial. He is due to be sentenced on 18 December.

In a statement released following the verdict, Mr Giwisser's family described him as "a gentle, caring man", whose "absence was felt everywhere he used to go".

The court heard Hill had gone round to Mr Giwisser's home on 21 February and began attacking him as soon as he opened the door, punching him in the face and forcing his way inside.

He continued to attack the pensioner before making off, leaving him injured on the floor.

Police said the 77-year-old was able to ring emergency services and was taken to hospital where his injuries were reviewed and treated prior to him being discharged.

Hill was arrested shortly after and released on bail as police inquiries into the matter began.

Over the next few weeks Mr Giwisser's health deteriorated. He continued to receive medical treatment but died in April of that year.

A number of medical experts reviewed the case and, earlier this year, were able to establish a causational link between Hill's assault and Mr Giwisser's death.

On Thursday, after deliberating for 3 hours and 39 minutes, a jury found Hill guilty of murder.

Det Insp Suzanne Hall 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.

"It is hard to comprehend how anyone could act so violently towards a man in his late 70s, and especially over what seems to have been a fairly trivial issue."

Mr Giwisser, a keen guitarist, was described as "warmhearted, and genuine" and as someone who enjoyed the simple pleasure of visiting a coffee shop.

"It was part of his routine, somewhere he could relax, chat and feel part of the community," his family said in a statement.

"Even there, people miss him. His absence is felt everywhere he used to go."

They said Mr Giwisser was much loved, especially by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who should have had "so many more laughs, stories and time".

Mr Giwisser's death brought a "lifelong grief" that has "changed us forever," they added, with family gatherings now feeling "incomplete".

"There is an empty space where he should be, a silence where his laughter and music should fill the room," the statement said.

"Even moments of happiness feel overshadowed by the fact he is not here to share them with us.

"What happened didn't only end his life, it shattered ours."

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