The man accused of murdering Mr Ferrario on the night of April 9 last year, Alan Lawson-Brown, was acquitted of the charges which saw him incarcerated for 10 months.

As the jury foreman read out the verdicts, the family remained silent until the not guilty verdict for manslaughter before breaking down in the public gallery, visibly distraught.

It was only after trial judge Justice Timothy Studdert thanked the jury for their service that Mr Lawson-Brown showed any emotion, taking off his glasses, rubbing his face then replacing them.

Justice Studdert then discharged him with correctional officers taking him back to the cells to collect his belongings as the family made their way from the courtroom supporting each other.

Remaining in private for a period of time after the verdict to try to come to grips with the news, Mitchell’s sisters Natalie Lawty supported by Monique Ferrario and family members, made a statement to media.

“We, the family of Mitchell Ferrario, are absolutely devastated at the not-guilty verdict given in relation to this matter.

“His life was taken without regard to him or his family and our lives are forever changed.

“Nothing can bring Mitch back, but a different verdict would have helped his family move on from this terrible tragedy.

“We would like to thank the Crown and police, especially Senior Constable Brent Fletcher, for their dealings with this matter.”

Still holding each other, the family, including Mitchell’s partner Traci Flint and father Ray, made their way from the court house.

Defence counsel for Mr Lawson-Brown, Janette Manuell, declined to comment to media, stating she did not have instructions to speak on his behalf. Mr Lawson-Brown pleaded not guilty to the murder charges on the grounds of self-defence, claiming the intoxicated Mr Ferrario had walked onto the knife as he approached Mr Lawson-Brown on the ramp outside his home in George Street, Junee.

The defence argued only a minute before the stabbing, Mr Ferrario had turned up at Mr Lawson-Browns property threatening to kill him because he believed him to be a paedophile.