A man is behind bars accused of murdering his neighbour in a deadly end to what neighbours claim has been a long-running and bitter conflict.
The pair allegedly squared off over a large gum tree that towers over their homes in Sydney.
CCTV appears to show Michael Wickham, 60, heading in towards the Dargie Street house in Mount Pritchard after steering his Suzuki into his neighbour’s driveway.
Off-camera, homeowner Edgar Campos allegedly runs straight at him brandishing a metal pole.
Detectives will claim the 42-year-old dropped his weapon and the pair began to fight.
It’s alleged Wickham was held on the ground in a headlock pinned by his neighbour, unable to move.
Investigators are accusing Campos of holding Wickham in that position on the driveway for at least 10 minutes, where the 60-year-old suffocated.
Other residents went to check the commotion but no one tried to pull the men apart.
Campos’ wife called triple zero and reported an attack on her husband.
By the time emergency help arrived, the man known as “Mick” couldn’t be saved.
Above both properties is a towering gum tree.
Large branches became dislodged, some during the recent Sydney storm.
The tree stands on another neighbouring property also owned by Campos.
Over the years Wickham approached him, wanting it cleared.
His neighbour allegedly didn’t want to know.
Campos is in custody facing a single charge of murder
His bail will be heard tomorrow.
Source Credit: 9 News Sydney