Australian police charged a Sydney man with murder after a retired man watering his lawn was attacked because of drought-imposed water restrictions.

Todd Munter, 36, appeared in court Thursday on charges he attacked, punched and kicked Ken Proctor to the ground in a dispute over watering.

Proctor was watering during a permitted time, The Telegraph of Australia reported. He was reportedly accosted by Munter and turned the hose on Munter, who punched him several times and kicking him while he was on the ground.

Proctor later died of a heart attack in a hospital.

In his first court appearance, lawyers said Munter was on a "cocktail of prescription drugs" related to recent spinal surgery, the Telegraph said.

Munter was remanded in custody until Nov. 15, when he is to enter a plea.

Australia's drought began in 2002 and has worsened gradually.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International




Publication date: 01 November 2007   

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