‘Angry’ neighbour accused of murdering disabled man in ‘row over barking dog’
A MAN has appeared in court to deny murdering his disabled neighbour in a row over his “barking” dog. Matthew Sheehan, 36, was battered by 40-year-old Raymond Burrell in 2015 in a “severe and merciless” attack. The “angry” neighbour was jailed for life a year later after being found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm. […]
A MAN has appeared in court to deny murdering his disabled neighbour in a row over his “barking” dog.
Matthew Sheehan, 36, was battered by 40-year-old Raymond Burrell in 2015 in a “severe and merciless” attack.
The “angry” neighbour was jailed for life a year later after being found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
But he has now been charged with murder after Matthew passed away in hospital.
Burrell today pleaded not guilty to the charge at Swansea Crown Court and will stand trial next July.
The attack was allegedly sparked by Burrell’s pet Staffordshire bull terrier barking from across the street in Cardiff.
Matthew – who was disabled and needed a cane to walk – was said to have made repeated complaints – leading Burrell to confront him.
The victim was left in a “vegetative state” in hospital after the attack and remained in a coma for two years.
He passed away in November 2017 after Burrell was convicted of GBH.
Matthew’s devastated family told before his death how they prayed he would get better.
A statement said: “The day Matthew was attacked will forever be etched in our memories.
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“He remains in a serious condition in what we would call a vegetative state.
“We spend every day at his bedside hoping he will recognise us or get better.”
“All we can do is sit and hold his hand.”
