A man from Huddersfield has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his 77-year-old neighbour following a violent and unprovoked attack.
A Fatal Confrontation
David Hill, aged 57, of South Cross Road, Huddersfield, launched the assault on Kurt Giwisser on February 21, 2023. Hill banged on the pensioner's door and demanded he open it. When Mr Giwisser came to the door, Hill punched him in the face and forced his way inside the property.
The attack continued as the great-grandfather lay on the floor. Hill then left the scene. Despite his injuries, Mr Giwisser was able to call 999 for emergency assistance. He was taken to hospital for treatment and was later discharged.
Deterioration and a Guilty Verdict
Hill was arrested shortly after the incident and released on bail while police conducted their investigation. However, Mr Giwisser's health declined significantly in the weeks that followed. Despite ongoing medical care, he died in April 2023.
A panel of medical experts reviewed the case and, earlier this year, established a direct causal link between the injuries inflicted by Hill and Mr Giwisser's subsequent death. This crucial finding led to a murder charge.
Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court, Hill was found guilty of murder. He returned to the same court for sentencing on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Life Sentence and Family Tributes
The judge handed down a life sentence, ordering that Hill must serve a minimum term of 17 years before being considered for parole.
Detective Inspector Suzanne Hall of West Yorkshire Police's homicide team stated: “We welcome the sentencing of Hill today for a sustained and violent attack which took the life of his neighbour and robbed Kurt’s family of a much loved father and grandfather.”
She added that Mr Giwisser, despite his age, was fit, healthy and a positive influence on his community, and that all this was taken away by Hill's brutality.
In an emotional tribute, Kurt Giwisser's family described him as a "gentle, caring and proud man" who was easy to talk to and warm-hearted. They spoke of the profound void his death has left, affecting multiple generations.
“Family gatherings feel incomplete,” they said. “There is an empty space where he should be. A silence where his laughter and music should fill the room. What happened didn’t only end his life, it shattered ours.”
