Scott and Kylee Guy’s neighbour Alison Rankin took to the stand twice at the murder trial of Ewen Macdonald.
Today, she and her husband Rob spoke to 3 News about being a witness, a neighbour and a family friend.
The pair have fond memories of their time with Scott and Kylee. They used to have cups of tea together and share picnics on the back lawn, under the clothesline.
“We’d have a bottle of coke,” says Rob. “Coke and cooking and biscuits,” added Alison
“We used to enjoy seeing Scott,” says Rob. “He always wore his cowboy stetson-like hat and his latest Kathmandu gear – he was always well dressed. I felt a bit rough,” he says chuckling.
Nowadays, the duo miss having Scott and Kylee living just down the road - the death and trial have taken their toll.
“We sit up in bed having our morning cup of tea and say ‘Scott should be coming home for breakfast now’. But you have to go on,” Mrs Rankin says.
“For nine months, we didn’t feel safe, we still watch every car that goes down the road. You never think it is going to happen…it’s just a tragedy, the whole thing.
“I’m close to Kylee, I’m close to the family and I’m still affected by the tragedy but from now on you’ve got to go on, ring Kylee and support Kylee,” she says.
Having to sit in the witness box and give evidence at the trial was “harrowing”, she says.
Watch the video for the extended interview with Mr and Mrs Rankin
3 News