Father died after fight

VICTIM . . . Michael Moran

Neighbour denies unlawful killing following music row

A neighbours’ row about loud music led to a 63-year-old man being punched to death, a court heard yesterday.

The “thump” of the music from afternoon to late evening was endured by Michael Moran, of Lancing Walk, Chadderton on July 27.

But when he found it was keeping him awake at night, the father-of-one dressed and went round to the culprit’s home further along the street.

Mr Moran looked over the garden gate and politely asked James Barfoot (27) to turn down the music.

Barfoot ran down the garden path and abusively refused, claimed Rick Holland, prosecuting at Liverpool Crown Court.

Barfoot then launched a torrent of swearing at Mr Moran, who was with his wife, Joan. Mr Moran remained calm and repeated his request.

He put his hand on Barfoot’s shoulder, the court heard.

Barfoot then allegedly threatened to call the police, claiming assault, at which point Mrs Moran left to call the police herself as the situation threatened to get out of hand.

Barfoot went into his back garden and closed the gate behind him. “Michael Moran, by now, had had enough. He kicked the back gate open and went into the garden,” said Mr Holland.

Barfoot went into his home and locked the back door. The defendant, far from placing himself out of harm’s way, or even calling the police, opened the hinged rear window.

“There is no obvious reason why he needed to do that other than he was continuing to bait Mr Moran,” alleged Mr Holland.

Mr Moran tried to pull the window open further as Barfoot tried to close it.

Mr Moran then punched Barfoot in the face but instead of moving back Barfoot punched him back. The blow caused Mr Moran’s head to rock backwards.

Barfoot almost immediately punched Mr Moran in the face again. He then hit him a third time.

Mrs Moran had rushed back to the scene and saw the her husband fall to the ground. She went to his aid but he never regained consciousness, said Mr Holland.

The victim, a retired fork-lift truck driver, was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. Barfoot denies unlawful killing. The trial continues.

The trial continues