Norfolk murder accused threw pots at victim, jury told

Winifred Patricia Holland, known as Pat, had taken pity on Allan Scott, 42, who was homeless, and let him move in to her home on Lowestoft Road, Gorleston.

But Norwich Crown Court heard Scott became aggressive and violent towards her in the months before her death, sometime between July 24 and July 25 2021.

Scott has gone on trial accused of murdering Mrs Holland, whose partial remains were found by police in a bonfire in the garden of her home after she was reported missing.

Giving evidence on Wednesday (July 22), Ian Henderson, who lived across the road from Mrs Holland, said he had seen her with her walking frame trying to get into his gate at about 8.30pm on July 24.

He said she "seemed quite frantic".

Mr Henderson said: "She was quite upset.

"She said she had burnt the pasta and had things thrown at her."

The jury was told it was Scott who had thrown things at her.

Mr Henderson said Mrs Holland had told on an earlier occasion she had been "trying to get him (Scott) out".

He had told her "if you've got any problems come and see me".

Mr Henderson said he thought that is why Mrs Holland came to see him on the evening of July 2021.

The witness said he called police who came and saw her and spoke to her before taking her back to her property.

He said that was the last time he saw her.

The next day officers came and asked Mr Henderson if he "had seen her since" but he said he had not.

Mr Henderson said he had not known Scott personally, but "became aware she (Mrs Holland) had taken in a homeless man".

He said he would sometimes see Scott "walking up the road wearing a dressing gown and pyjamas" while "reading a book".

Mr Henderson said he would be seen coming back from the shop with "bottles of alcohol in a carrier bag".

Scott, of no fixed address, but formerly of Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, denies murder.

The trial continues.