The father of murdered teenager Rebecca Middleton has backed calls for an inquiry into the handling of the prosecution case -- but only after legal processes have been completed.

David Middleton said there were many unanswered questions but he felt the aftermath of the collapse of the trial of Justis Smith was something Bermuda had to face up to.

"There needs to be an appeal first,'' he said. "But nothing will happen unless somebody makes it happen. I am sure Bermudians don't want somebody from outside telling them their business -- it has to come from within Bermuda.'' And he called for those in power to ensure that the Attorney General's appeal, against the decision of Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux to order a not guilty verdict, is heard quickly.

He is of the opinion that many things need to change in Bermuda as a result of his daughter's vicious killing and the subsequent prosecutions of Justis Smith and Kirk Mundy.

But he said little had altered in the years and months since July 3, 1996 when his daughter was murdered -- and now is the time for the people of Bermuda to stand up and call for action.

"I have yet to hear an explanation as to what happened to Becky,'' he said.

"There is going to be no rest until the persons responsible for Rebecca's death are brought to justice.

"And I think that is in the interests of everyone in Bermuda.'' Rick Meens, who has been at Mr. Middleton's side throughout the trial and ensuing days after its end, said the whole situation has sent out the wrong message to the community -- that justice isn't always done.

And he said the concerns cut across all sections of the community.

"I sure hope it never happens again,'' he said. "It has got nothing to do with her being a little white girl, it could have been anyone -- it just happened to be Rebecca.

"Who wants another family to go through this or who wants another child to suffer what Becky suffered.

"It is the same for any murdered person. Those responsible need to be brought to justice, they need to pay for their crime. What kind of message does that send to people?'' Mr. Meens spoke of his anger on the day Mr. Justice Meerabux delivered his ruling, when he confronted defence lawyer John Perry and shouted at Justis Smith.

"It was the heat of the moment, I was very upset, I don't wish any harm to Mr. and Mrs. Smith,'' he said. "I just want to see justice done.

"People must remember that I was pretty fired up, visibly upset, most people would have reacted the same way.'' And he added: "I am not a violent person and I don't intend to become one.'' Mr. Middleton returns to Canada early next week with a feeling of unfinished business and much sadness over the way things transpired earlier this week.

"We are going to try and continue with our lives,'' he said. "We will never get over it, our lives have changed.'' Call for priority taxis: Page 5 Boycott web page set up: Page 6 Scholarship established: Page 6 David Middleton Graphic file name: DAVMID