By Karen Smith The father of stabbing victim Dean Antoine Young last night accused the courts of failing to bring justice after his son's attacker was found not guilty of murder.

Randolph Young said he was devastated the jury had not found defendant Randy (Chicken) Burgess guilty of first degree murder and said he felt let down by the judicial system.

He paid tribute to Dean and claimed the wrong impression had been painted of his third son throughout the eight-day trial.

The 54-year-old father of five said: "This is not justice. It should have been murder.

"I can't see how the jury came to the decision they did. My son went to that house to protect his son and Trina. He went into a dark house, not knowing what was coming.

"Dean was a good guy. He would go out of his way to help other people. They made my son out to be evil in that court and he simply was not.

"He could look after himself, but he would never needlessly hurt anyone and he would never have used a knife.'' The grieving father said he felt partly responsible for his son's death.

"I brought all my sons up to protect themselves, women and the people they cared for,'' he added.

"He cared for Trina and he adored his son. He was only trying to protect them when he went to that house.

"But above everything, Dean loved his family.'' And he went on: "The defence barristers made my son out to be evil but I don't believe his (Burgess') story.

Dean's mother Carolyn, who lives in Somerset, was equally as upset when she left the court yesterday. She sat through ever minute of the hearing and has acted as a tower of strength to the rest of her family.

Whenever she mentions Dean's name, she cannot help breaking into a broad smile.

And she said even now, six months after his death, she still imagines him walking through her front door on one of his regular visits to her home.

Dean played for a number of football teams around the Island, including North Village, Young Men's Social Club, and Hamilton Parish, and was known as Big Dean or Quick Draw to his friends.

He was a hard worker and was about to take up a new job with BELCO, where his mother works, when he died. Just a few weeks earlier he had left his job at The Royal Gazette, but also did other work, including delivering newspapers to stores, and working as a doormen in Flannagan's pub, Ambassadors Club, and Devonshire Recreation Club.

His mother, who wears a badge containing Dean's picture every day now, said: "He was a workaholic and would do anything for anyone. He seemed to excel at everything he did.

"He was very bright and very caring, and such a live wire. He could really make us laugh.

"Having sons, I feel sorry for Randy Burgess' family and I understand that they have to stand by their son. But not one of them has been here with condolences.

"Burgess is probably suffering every day. I actually feel sorry for him and would never wish bad on anyone, but he must pay for what he did.

"I will leave it to the law will provide.''