West Yorkshire PoliceA man who killed his next-door neighbour after an argument over a paintbrush has been jailed for life.
David Hill, 57, repeatedly punched and kicked 77-year-old great-grandfather Kurt Giwisser, after forcing his way into his home in South Cross Road, Huddersfield, in February 2023.
Leeds Crown Court heard how in the lead up to the attack Hill had become angry when Mr Giwisser had returned a paintbrush to him in a “condition you considered less than pristine”.
Hill, who was found guilty of murder following a trial, was told he would serve a minimum of 17 years.
Passing sentence Judge Robin Mairs said that in the three years before the attack, Hill would verbally abuse Mr Giwisser for “imagined slights” and “invented wrongs”.
On one occasion he said Hill had “bizarrely accused” the victim of “intending harm” to his dog.
He said that on 21 February, Hill, fuelled by “intemperate rage and excess alcohol,” had banged on Mr Giwisser’s patio doors and forced his way in when the victim opened them.
Once inside he subjected Mr Giwisser to a sustained assault before leaving.
West Yorkshire PoliceThe court heard Mr Giwisser was treated in hospital and discharged, but collapsed two days later while reversing his car.
He was taken back to hospital where he was found to have fluid around his brain. He died in April 2023 after his life support was withdrawn.
In victim impact statements read to the court, Mr Giwisser’s two daughters spoke of the “trauma” of making that decision.
One said he would “give anything to hear him strum his guitar even one more time”, adding: “People loved him because he was easy to talk to, warm-hearted and genuine.”
It was said that Hill, who had a string of previous convictions for offences including possessing indecent images of children, arson and harassment, had racially abused police officers who came to arrest him.
Handing down a life sentence, Judge Mairs told the defendant: “There has been no word of remorse or contrition from you. No recognition of the damage you’ve done or the grief you’ve caused.”
Det Insp Suzanne Hall from West Yorkshire Police said: “Despite being 77, Kurt was still fit, healthy and having a really positive impact on the lives of those around him, and all that was taken away by the brutal actions of Hill.
“The impact of Kurt’s loss on his daughters, grandchildren and his friends has been clear to see, and I hope they can take some measure of comfort from seeing him convicted and sentenced by the court today.”
