Man murdered in Sydney for watering lawn

A pensioner was kicked to death by his neighbour as he watered his lawn after they argued over drought-stricken Sydney’s hosepipe restrictions.

Todd Munter, 36, appeared in court today charged with killing 66-year-old retired truck driver Ken Proctor.

Munter, who lived near Mr Proctor in suburban Sylvania, did not enter a plea.

He apparently approached Mr Proctor as he watered his lawn late yesterday afternoon and an argument began, police said.

Mr Proctor reportedly sprayed Munter with the hose. Police allege Munter responded by punching and pushing Mr Proctor to the ground and kicking him.

An off-duty police officer intervened and arrested Munter, the statement said. Mr Proctor was taken by ambulance to hospital but died soon after, police said.

Mr Proctor was complying with Sydney’s water restrictions when he was killed. Watering with hand-held hoses is allowed on Wednesdays and Sundays before 10 am and after 4 pm.

All major cities in Australia have water use restrictions as the nation experiences its worst drought in a century.