THE survivors of the Birkby firebomb attack have welcomed the long jail sentences for the killers.

But Mr Abdul Aziz Chishti, who lost his wife, son, daughter and five grand-daughters in the fire at his home in Osborne Road last May, said there were still some regrets.

"To some extent I am satisfied, but not fully," he says. "I would have preferred guilty of murder verdicts on all three men."

He spoke minutes after Shaied Iqbal, 26, of Springdale Road, Thornton Lodge, was given eight life sentences for eight counts of murder at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

Shakiel Shazad, 23, of Gledholt Road, Gledholt, and Nazar Hussain, 24, of Dryclough Road, Crosland Moor, were each given eight 18-year sentences after being found guilty of manslaughter.

The eight victims died after their home was firebombed as they slept.

Mr Muhammed Shafique, Mr Chishti's son, who escaped from the blazing building, said: "We cannot understand why these people committed such a terrible crime.

"We had no problem with them. There was no reason behind it."

Mr Shafique, an education official with Kirklees Council, said: "It was difficult talking about it, because it brings it all back, especially when stood in the witness box.

"It reminds you of that horrific night."

The family can still not understand what made the group of youths firebomb their house.

Allegations were made in court that Mr Chishti's 18-year-old son, Atteq-Ur Rehman, one of those who died, had been the target of the fire as he had been "badmouthing" Iqbal over his relationship with a girl.

Mr Chishti said: "Ateeq never spoke to me about all these things.

"He was very popular, but we only found out how popular when we went to Huddersfield New College and read the book of condolence and spoke to the students, teachers and principal."

Mr Jalil Karim, Mr Chishti's nephew, said it was difficult sitting in court and seeing the killers.

"Their conduct in court was an absolute disgrace," he said. "They showed no remorse until they were about to be sentenced. Nobody believed it. We hold them in contempt."

Mr Chisthi said this contrasted with the letters of support and condolence the family had received from all over the UK.

"There are still some letters coming to us," he added. "But these people never showed any remorse."

He added: "The family is pleased with the media coverage. It has helped the family to know about the people who did this things without a good reason. It has been important that people know and are repulsed by what happened."

Mr Abdul Hameed, Mr Chishti's eldest son, said: "We would like to thank the Examiner for its coverage."

Mr Shafique said: "Without that, people would not have found out what the real reason was behind this. There was no big motive; it was trivial."

Mr Karim said it was difficult to accept that the killers would eventually be freed from jail and could re-start their lives. The eight victims would never have that opportunity.

He added: "The real justice for the family will come in the next life. These people will get their punishment then."