Yeovil Men Stand Trial for Alleged Murder of Neighbor After Rubbish Dispute
Two Yeovil men are on trial accused of murdering their neighbour following a dispute over rubbish. Prosecutors allege that Martin Carty, 56, and Mark Sothcott, 55, killed 68-year-old Franklin Ingram at Mr. Carty's flat in Hollands, Yeovil, on June 22 this year, and left his body unattended for 19 hours before calling emergency services.
The Incident
The court heard that Mr. Ingram, who lived in the flat below Mr. Carty, had previously raised complaints about him with their housing association. On the evening of the alleged killing, Mr. Ingram reportedly confronted Mr. Carty over rubbish that had been swept up and left outside his flat.
CCTV footage showed Mr. Ingram, dressed in just a t-shirt and underpants and holding a hammer, shouting and swearing before entering Mr. Carty’s flat at 10:48 PM. Joanna Martin KC, prosecuting, said: “The prosecution says that at this time, there are clearly sounds of a fight.” Within minutes, Mr. Ingram was fatally injured.
The Alleged Murder
The prosecution claims that Mr. Carty and Mr. Sothcott, described as “old friends and drinking buddies,” caused "nasty wounds" to Mr. Ingram’s arms and legs using either a knife or an axe. His neck was “extended and rotated” in a manner that damaged two major arteries, likely causing instantaneous death, jurors heard.
Despite knowing Mr. Ingram was dead, the defendants allegedly took no immediate action. Mr. Carty made several calls that night, including one at 11:15 PM where he reportedly told a friend, "we need you up here now."
Aftermath
The following day, Mr. Sothcott reportedly went to his job cleaning a local Labour club, while Mr. Carty spent time drinking in various pubs. CCTV footage showed Mr. Carty removing bags of rubbish from his flat.
At 6:40 PM on June 23, nearly 19 hours after Mr. Ingram’s death, Mr. Carty called 999, claiming to have found his neighbour “dead on the couch.” Prosecutors say Mr. Carty refused to perform CPR or place Mr. Ingram in the recovery position, citing his awareness of how long the victim had been dead.
Legal Defence
Both defendants deny murder, asserting that they acted in self-defense. However, Ms. Martin KC argued their actions “went beyond what is lawful and reasonable.”
Ongoing Trial
The trial continues as jurors consider the evidence, including CCTV footage, forensic analysis, and testimony regarding the events leading up to and following Mr. Ingram’s death.