AN ENGLISH LANDLADY was killed by her lodger in a row over the number of baths he was having a day, a court has heard.

The Independent reports that Bristol Crown Court was told by the prosecution on Monday that 22-year-old Jesse Harper pushed his 55-year-old landlady Joanna Doman down a stairs at her Somerset home in May.

Doman suffered severe head injuries and died in hospital.

Harper denies a single count of manslaughter. The court heard that Doman had moved out of her home after allegedly slapping Harper in an argument, but returned to feed her cats.

The prosecution alleges that while she was standing near the top of the stairs attempting to turn off the hot water, Harper pushed her away in anger.

Harper claimed to police that Doman had pushed him and fell down the stairs.

The court heard that Harper had no income and the pair had rowed frequently over Harper’s habit of having two baths a day and rent.

The trial continues.

Comments are disabled as the trial is ongoing.