A 48-year-old Thessaloniki man is to go on trial for murder after allegedly beating an elderly acquaintance to death over a parking spot, a court ruled yesterday.

The suspect is alleged to have attacked the 78-year-old man in October 2006 after the latter parked his car at the entrance to the younger man’s apartment building. Enraged because the elderly man’s car was blocking his own, the 48-year-old protested. An argument ensued between the two men, who knew each other, the court heard. At one point, the 48-year-old’s temper flared and he is alleged to have severely beaten the older man. The victim fell to the ground after being punched in the face, hitting his head on the ground.

The 78-year-old, who was hospitalized after the attack with serious head injuries, died three months later, in January 2007.