SYDNEY - The brutal murder of a businessman who was attacked as he lay in bed with his wife stemmed from a feud between fountain companies, a Sydney jury has been told.

Prosecutor Chris Maxwell, QC, alleged that Dirk Marten Slotboom paid $30,000 for his business rival, and former employee, Richard Carruthers ``to be harmed''.

After Mr Carruthers left Mr Slotboom's company, Sydney Fountains Water Forms Pty Ltd, in 1996, he set up Water Features Australia, which won contracts previously held by Slotboom.

``There is evidence to suggest the accused, Mr Slotboom, felt this loss of work to the deceased very keenly,'' Mr Maxwell said in the Crown's opening address yesterday in the NSW Supreme Court.

Mr Slotboom, 59, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Carruthers, 36, who was repeatedly stabbed after an intruder broke into his Castle Hill home in the early hours of June 24, 2007.

His wife Phuong Nguyen, who was sleeping next to him, woke up and escaped but broke her ankle and required surgery.

The Crown alleges the actual killer was Fadi ``Ricky'' Shamoun, 28, who is also on trial and has denied the murder.

The trial is continuing before Justice Geoffrey Bellew.