Trevor Dale Wheeler to stand trial over manslaughter of Bradley Ward

An alleged petty fight between two neighbours about bird feeding has left one man dead and the other standing trial for manslaughter.

The moment a Gold Coast man allegedly became so enraged that he killed his neighbour who asked him to stop feeding birds was captured on camera, a court has been told.

Trevor Dale Wheeler will stand trial in November for the manslaughter of his neighbour, Bradley Ward.

It will be alleged in court that Mr Ward, 60, died after Mr Wheeler allegedly knocked him to the ground before setting upon him with a broom handle.

Bradley Ward was allegedly killed by his neighbour Trevor Wheeler in November 2020.

Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Michael Christensen told Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday that the alleged attack was captured on a taxi camera and the footage would be used as part of the evidence before a jury.

He said further DNA would also be tested ahead of the trial.

Mr Christensen said while the initial DNA sample collected from Mr Ward following his death “contained plentiful links” of Mr Wheeler’s DNA, the DPP wished to further test other DNA samples to assist in its case.

“We don’t expect there will be any issues for the court but there are some samples that may be suitable for further testing; for example, on the foot of the defendant where it’s alleged he stomped on the deceased,” Mr Christensen said.

“It’s not essential but just done out of precaution in case there is an issue.”

Mr Wheeler will stand trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court in November. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

The DPP will allege in court that Mr Wheeler kicked Mr Ward a number of times while he was on the ground and struck him with the broom handle.

The court was previously told the alleged fatal fight was sparked by a heated discussion about bird feeding between the next-door neighbours before Mr Ward collapsed and died at the scene.

The trial is expected to take five days and is listed for November 20.

Mr Wheeler remains on bail.

Originally published as Trevor Dale Wheeler to stand trial over manslaughter of Bradley Ward