A woman whose father was allegedly murdered by their landlord told a court living at the house had been like “prison”.

Inga Baklasovs was giving evidence at the trial of Jevgenijs Maksimovs at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday.

Maksimovs, 37, is accused of murdering Ms Baklasovs’ father, Jurijs Baklasovs, 43, at his home in Hayhill Road, Ipswich, on December 20 last year.

Prosecutor Andrew Jackson told the court that Ms Baklasovs, who is originally from Latvia, had moved to Ipswich in September 2009 and began looking for a room to rent.

She agreed to move into Maksimovs’ Hayhill Road home where he lived with his wife and young son.

One month later another room in the house became available and it was agreed that Mr Baklasovs could come over from Latvia and move in.

Mr Baklasovs initially struggled to find work and after being questioned about his situation by Maksimovs, Ms Baklasovs told the court the defendant became aggressive towards them.

She said: “He became very angry and told me that I would continue to pay for the house.

“He said if I dared to continue to respond to him like that I would end up in my room in tears. His (Maksimovs’) attitude towards my dad became unbearable and I suggested we moved out.

“The life in that house was the same as living in prison.”

Maksimovs is accused of beating Mr Baklasovs to death using his “fists and feet” in a “ferocious and sustained” attack in the home’s back garden. He denies the charge of murder.

Maksimovs is also alleged to have put Mr Baklasovs’ body in the boot of his car, driven to Brabling Green near Framlingham and dumped it in a ditch.

Ms Baklasovs reported her father missing on December 21. The court heard that later that day she received a phone call from Maksimovs.

She said: “He was talking very calmly and told me not to worry. He then asked me where I thought my dad was.

“I started to cry. He said don’t cry, your dad will come home soon.”

The trial continues.