Murder accused 'out on licence'

Neville Corby was a father of two

A man accused of shooting a man to death and badly injuring another was out on licence at the time of the offence, a court heard.

Ernest Wright, 68, of Howarth Crescent, Bradford, denies murdering Neville Corby, 42, and attempting to murder Craig Freear, 31.

The men had been involved in a row over benefits paid to Mr Freear's mother, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

At the time of the offence, Mr Wright was on licence having been in prison.

Prosecutor Richard Mansell QC told the court Mr Wright was on licence at the time of the shooting, 30 March 2009, but the jury was not told the nature of Mr Wright's offence which led him to be jailed.

Shot through door

The court has previously heard how Mr Wright had been living with Mr Freear's mother, Melissa Crocker.

Mr Mansell said there had been escalating tensions between the men after Mr Wright had benefits paid to Ms Crocker transferred to an account owned by him.

The court was told how Mr Wright burst into the men's home on 30 March last year and "executed" Mr Corby by shooting him in the neck.

Mr Freear, hiding in the bathroom, was hit by a shot fired through the door, but managed to survive by escaping out of the window.

Mr Wright also denies two charges of having a firearm with intent to commit murder.

The trial continues.