An Australian pensioner is dead following an argument over his use of a hosepipe to water his garden during water restrictions.

According to police, Kenneth Proctor, 66, suffered a heart attack after being punched and kicked when an argument flared in a Sydney suburb because his assailant thought he was wasting water during the prolonged drought.

A 36-year-old man, Todd Munter, has been charged with murder.

According to Sydney Water, Mr Proctor had not actually breached the restrictions on water use, as they allow for the use of hosepipes for gardening in clearly defined windows twice a week – and the altercation took place during one of these time periods.

Sam Bond

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