An 83-year-old man, Alan Wotton, is accused of murdering his 65-year-old nephew, Andrew Avery, following a dispute over inheritance money. The court heard that Wotton allegedly stabbed Avery 11 times and then set fire to the house in Gosport, Hampshire, on November 29, 2024. Prosecutors contend that Wotton believed his nephew was withholding £20,000 that his late sister, June Avery, had left for him.

Wotton, who has a heart condition and wears a hearing aid, was staying in his sister's home after her death. His nephew, Andrew Avery, had purchased a flat for Wotton to move into. Prosecutors allege that Wotton was upset about having to leave his sister's house and felt aggrieved about the inheritance, leading to the fatal confrontation on the day he was supposed to move.

During the opening of the case at Portsmouth Crown Court, prosecutor Jodie Mittell KC stated that Andrew Avery died from multiple stab wounds, with seven to the torso and four to the left leg. The defense has not disputed that Wotton inflicted these wounds. The prosecution claims Wotton was the aggressor, while the defense is presenting a self-defense argument, or alternatively, diminished responsibility due to a diagnosed delusional disorder.

June Avery died in 2023, and Andrew Avery was one of two executors of her will. Wotton had traveled from Hungary, where he had been living, for his sister's funeral. His nephew and the other executor, Colin Avery, expected Wotton to return to Hungary after the funeral. Andrew Avery was managing the sale of his mother's house and had permitted Wotton to stay there while family arrangements were made.

In November 2024, the house was sold, necessitating Wotton's move. Andrew Avery's husband, John Portlock, testified that Avery had lent Wotton £84,000 towards the new flat and spent approximately £40,000 of his own money on it, though the flat was to be bought in Avery's name. Portlock stated that Avery wanted to support his uncle, believing it was his mother's wish. He also indicated that Avery, who was described as good with money, suggested investing Wotton's inheritance to cover the new flat's monthly overheads.

Prosecutors suggest the motive for the alleged murder stemmed from Wotton's reluctance to leave his sister's home and his feeling that his nephew was