Matthew Charles Draganoff standing trial in the Supreme Court over the alleged murder of Simon Middleton

A murder victim could be heard saying “oh no, don’t shoot” before he was allegedly shot three times by his landlord, a court has heard.

A man who allegedly shot his tenant three times could be heard discussing how to “take somebody out” in the days prior, a court has heard.

Matthew Charles Draganoff, 44, is standing trial in the Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to murdering Simon Middleton on March 8, 2021.

Lucy Boord KC, prosecuting, told the court on Wednesday that Mr Draganoff allegedly fired three shots at Mr Middleton with a high powered rifle at Virginia.

The shots hit Mr Middleton to the head, the chest and the buttocks, with the shots to the head and chest killing him.

“It’s the prosecution case that the accused had the means, the opportunity and importantly the motive to kill the deceased,” Ms Boord said.

Matthew Charles Draganoff is standing trial for the alleged murder of Simon Middleton. Picture: LinkedIn via NCA NewsWire

Simon Middleton was shot dead on March 8, 2021, in Virginia. Picture: SA Police

The court heard there was “growing animosity” between Mr Draganoff and Mr Middleton over an accumulation of issues in the lead-up to the alleged murder.

Ms Boord said Mr Middleton was living in a property leased by Mr Draganoff rent free and he wanted him out of the house.

However, Ms Boord said “the catalyst” for the alleged murder related to an incident on March 6, 2021.

The court heard Mr Draganoff had arranged a friend to keep watch on the property where Mr Middleton was living.

“(The friend) contacted the accused and told him that the deceased and some of his friends had attended the property armed and were stealing some goods from that address,” Ms Boord said.

The court heard on the night of the alleged murder Mr Draganoff was with another man who told him he didn’t want to get involved during discussions to drive to Mr Middleton’s property.

“He said to (the man) I’m not asking, I’m telling you’ and when he said this the accused had a rifle in his hands,” Ms Boord said.

The court heard CCTV captured Mr Draganoff allegedly getting out of the car near the property with a rifle, before the other man drove off.

“About 5 – 10 minutes later (the other man) heard three loud bangs that he believed to be gunshots,” Ms Boord said.

The court heard Mr Draganoff then allegedly told the man to get rid of the gun for him and burn his clothes, which he didn’t end up doing.

Ms Boord said DNA linked Mr Draganoff to a spent bullet casing, as well as Mr Middleton’s blood being linked to a splatter on Mr Draganoff’s shoe.

The court heard a man that was with Mr Middleton at the time of the alleged murder heard him say “oh no, don’t shoot” but didn’t see who shot him.

Ms Boord said dashcam footage captured from inside Mr Draganoff’s car on March 6, 2021 heard him allegedly discussing with his friend how to “take somebody out”.

“The accused then says something like whatever the position is, just make out the car, straight through the windscreen mate and straight in the f***ing head,” Ms Boord said.

Michelle Barnes, for Mr Draganoff, told the court what was in dispute was the identity of the shooter and the man who was allegedly with her client on the night couldn’t be believed.

The trial, before a jury, continues.

Originally published as Matthew Charles Draganoff standing trial in the Supreme Court over the alleged murder of Simon Middleton