THE grieving family of a young father stabbed to death by a callous killer have bitterly attacked the police for failing to protect them.
Violent Gavin Hogg was on bail for an attack on the family when he murdered David Burrows, 36, in a frenzied knife attack - and left David's father Darrell, and uncle Clive Hoyland, for dead.
Hogg, 34, of Wellhouse Lane, Mirfield, was sentenced to life in prison at Leeds Crown Court yesterday after a jury found him guilty of murder.
But Mr Hoyland, who had life- saving surgery, said the verdict and sentence were too little too late.
Mr Hoyland, a father-of-three, said: "Had it not been for the inept conduct of the police my nephew would still be alive today.
"I told the police time and time again that Hogg was extremely dangerous and that he was threatening to kill my brother.
"But my concerns were ignored on numerous occasions."
The court had earlier heard how mechanic Hogg stabbed father-of- two David Burrows to death at a haulage yard next to his workshop after a bitter row over litter and land rights.
He also stabbed Darrell Burrows, 62, and Clive Hoyland, 52, as they rushed to his aid at the family firm in Ravensthorpe.
The court heard how the stabbing in September last year followed years of territorial dispute, with Hogg issuing threats and violence against his neighbours at Low Mill Industrial Estate.
The murder came just a day after Hogg was convicted of common assault and criminal damage following an attack against Darrell, director of family firm M&B Haulage and Waste Paper.
Hogg had told a neighbour he was going to kill Darrell Burrows by drowning him and making it look like an accident.
Hogg then beat Mr Burrows, dragging him from his car and pulling him to a canal bank, where he attacked him.
But despite the history of threats and violence and a previous conviction for assault, Dewsbury magistrates bailed Hogg to await sentence.
He murdered David Burrows the next day.
Hogg was sentenced to life for the murder and eight years each for two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, to be served concurrently.
Judge James Stewart said Hogg was "a neighbour from Hell".
Hogg must serve at least 20 years before being considered for parole.
Mr Hoyland has put in an official complaint against the police.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "A complaint has been made and is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission."
Neil Franklin, chief Crown prosecutor for CPS West Yorkshire, said: "
No-one could have predicted the tragic and unforeseen turn of events which resulted in the murder of Mr David Burrows."
