A FARMER accused of murdering his mentally ill cousin was questioned by police about an entry in his diary which called his alleged victim a “village menace”.

Roger Troughton said that 59-year-old Robin Troughton was taking medication and did not always know what he was doing. Occasionally he posed a physical threat.

Troughton, aged 74, of Wood Street Farm, Wood Street, Bushley, near Upton-upon-Severn, admits the manslaughter of his cousin but denies murder.

Robin Troughton was found with a fractured skull on the lawn of his mother’s house in Bushley on April 3 last year.

He died 19 days later in hospital of his critical injuries.

Paramedic Mark Toumey answered a call from Robin Troughton’s brother Nigel, known as Tim, and arrived at the farm in the afternoon. Robin Troughton was lying on his side and had a slash on the side of his neck.

His brother did not seem “too bothered” and said Robin had fallen while lighting his pipe.

Mr Toumey said the body had been there for some time as the blood had congealed. He looked round for a knife but could not find one.

PC Samantha Davies said Nigel Troughton seemed confused and hesitant and said he didn’t know what had happened. Their 86-year-old mother was not in the house.

Detective Constable Craig Osborne told Worcester Crown Court of several interviews he had with Roger Troughton at Worcester police station, during which he made “no comment” answers.

But later he revealed he had been at Paynes Place cleaning up rubbish because the house had been trashed. He suspected Robin was the culprit.

The court was told of diary entries by Roger Troughton which referred to Robin as quarrelling, causing concern, on a high and causing trouble.

The prosecution alleges that Robin Troughton was struck with a fencing spade.

Roger Troughton claims he was acting in self-defence as his cousin came at him armed with a pair of tree loppers.

The trial has continued with only 11 jurors after being adjourned for a day when one reported sick.

The trial continues.