Neighbour denies noise row murder

A mechanic was killed with a 23-inch sword during a row about noise with his neighbour, a court has been told.

The sword was thrust through Michael Bailey's body during the incident in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, June 2003.

Mr Bailey, 28, a talented stock car racer, died after the sword "wreaked terrible damage" to his lungs and heart, the court heard At Norwich Crown Court his former neighbour, unemployed Melvin Sullivan, 45, has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Jurors on Monday were told blade of the sword, which could also be used as a bayonet, penetrated between Mr Bailey's ribs.

It went through his chest muscles to within half a centimetre of the skin on the other side of his body.

The hearing continues.