THE sister of a man accused of gunning down a workmate has told a court her brother was never interested in firearms.

Alleged murderer Darren Jewell, 36, of John Street, Brightlingsea, was reluctant to join friend for a shooting trip, a jury has been told.

Jewell shot Anthony Prickett, 42, on the doorstep of his home in Park Road, St Osyth last May, Chelmsford Crown Court has heard.

He has admitted being responsible for firing a shotgun at Mr Prickett but told police he did not intend to kill him.

The jury has heard how police found a collection of firearms and weapons in Jewell's car after he was arrested.

More weapons were discovered at his home, the trial has heard.

Dawn Jewell, his sister, told the jury: "All his life he has never had an interest in firearms."

Andrew Summerley, Jewell's close friend, told the court firearms were not among Jewell's interests.

Mr Summerley told the trial one of his hobbies was shooting and he had asked Jewell to join him one day.

He said: "I tried to get him to come shooting with me but he was reluctant to do so.”

The court has heard how Jewell was supposed to collect Mr Prickett and take him to a roofing job in London.

Neighbours were woken by two shots on May 19 last year at about 5am and saw a red van with the words Bulat Roofing leaving the street.

Mr Prickett died in hospital later that morning.

Jewell was stopped by police in a Vauxhall Corsa car on the A1 at Dalkeith near Edinburgh later that day.

He told police later something inside his head had snapped.

The prosecution has alleged Mr Prickett died in a cold blooded execution.

Jewell denies murder.

n The trial continues.