Friend tells jury of 'introverted' alleged killer accused of murdering Gosport brother

Loving dad-of-two Andrew Oliver, 53, died on the afternoon February 1 at his home in Harwood Road, Bridgemary, Gosport.

Mark Oliver, 56, is accused of murdering his brother and is on trial at Winchester Crown Court.

Prosecutors allege Oliver sank a knife into his younger sibling on five occasions as the pair came to blows, slashing Mr Oliver’s face three times and stabbing the scaffolder twice in the chest. Oliver denies murder.

Concluding the prosecution case, prosecutor Peter Asteris read out a number of written statements from friends and neighbours of Mr Oliver, who was described as ‘laid back’, ‘lively’ and ‘bubbly’.

But jurors heard how his older brother was painted as introverted and a man who ‘kept himself to himself’.

Neighbours claimed the pair would have ‘verbal squabbles’ and would ‘shout at each other’ but would always make up and reconcile after.

Describing ex-boxer Mr Oliver in a statement read out in court by Mr Asteris, long-term friend Simon Lewis said: ‘He was generous, easy-going and would help anyone.

‘He was an old-school, decent gentleman. He lived for his daughters and grandchild.

‘He wasn’t the type of person who went out looking for trouble. If people challenged him, he would stand his ground.’

Mr Lewis said Oliver was a ‘totally opposite’ to his younger sibling, describing him as ‘introverted’ and would get into ‘petty arguments’ with his brother, which Mr Oliver ‘resented’.

Speaking of the moment he was informed about his friend’s death, Mr Lewis added: ‘I was absolutely devastated and shocked. I could not believe he had been killed.

‘I am totally shocked about what happened. I am totally numb. I don’t understand how Mark would do this to Andy.’

(Proceeding)