A dispute over a child led to a man being shot in the back of the head with a shotgun, a court was told.

Mark Walsh, 35, was shot at close range in an alleyway at the back of his home in Maudsley Street, Accrington shortly before 9pm on January 12.

Mr Walsh was showered with 100 pellets, the court heard. He survived the blast, but has been left ‘profoundly deaf’ and requires hearing aids in both ears.

Kevin King, 30, Donovan Wallace, 26, and Jack Wilding, 20, deny conspiracy to commit murder. Mr Wallace and Mr Wilding have both pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.

Preston Crown Court heard that a ‘history of animosity’ centering around Mr King’s ex-partner and child had led to the shooting. The court was told that Mr King, of Lodge Lane, Lytham St Annes, was unhappy that his ex and four-year-old daughter had started living with Mr Walsh after their relationship ended in 2012.

The court heard that Mr King had previously been given a restraining order against his ex after making abusive phone calls and threats, on one occasion stating that he would ‘put a bullet’ in her and Mr Walsh. It is claimed that Mr King sought the help of his friend and fellow lorry driver Mr Wallace, of Lodge Lane, Lytham St Annes, to carry out the shooting and that Mr Wilding, 20, of no fixed abode, was also recruited to assist in the act.

Following the shooting a police investigation recovered a red hoodie belonging to Mr Wilding which had shotgun residue on it, the court was told. Gunshot residue was also found in the cab of Mr Wallace’s lorry, it was claimed.

Mr King was arrested after the incident on January 13 and interviewed. After giving a full account of his movements he was released on bail. The court was told that while in custody a covert recording device had been fitted in his HGV from where a number of telephone calls to friends were recorded.

In one such call it was claimed Mr King was recorded being asked about the possibility that Mr Walsh would retaliate. Mr King was said to have replied ‘next time it will be me pulling the f****** trigger and it will be a double barrelled shotgun, not a single barrel’.

When asked what the dispute was over, the court heard that Mr King had said ‘a little’un’. The three deny all charges.

The trial continues.