A FIREFIGHTER'S widow today reacted with disbelief after the man who stabbed her husband to death was cleared of all charges.

A jury at York Crown Court decided that mineworker Thomas Richardson, 43, acted in self-defence when his knife pierced the heart of Selby part-time firefighter Andy Campbell, 40.

The incident happened last August outside Mr Richardson's home, in Primrose Grove, Selby, during a row over children playing football in the street. After considering their verdicts for four-and-a-half hours, the jury cleared Mr Richardson of both the murder and manslaughter of father-of-two Mr Campbell.

Today, widow Debbie Campbell, 41, said she had lost all faith in British justice. She said: "I'm absolutely gutted. Andy was stabbed to death and yet no-one is to blame.

"I keep thinking I'll wake up and it's all been a dream. My kids' dad has been taken away from them and I feel very angry and badly let down. Mrs Richardson has got her husband back - I have to go down to the cemetery to be with mine."

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Press at her home, in Hempbridge Close, Selby, Mrs Campbell said: "I feel numb and cheated. No matter what the sentence, it wouldn't bring Andy back. But this verdict has made things even harder to cope with. It's rubbing salt into the wound. Our barrister complimented all my family for the dignity they showed throughout the trial. All we wanted was justice for Andy and in my opinion, he hasn't got it."

Det Sgt Steve Taylor, who led the police investigation, said afterwards: "Mr Richardson will return to his family. Mrs Campbell and her family will never be reunited with Andy.

"It's inconceivable that a man has died due to children playing in the street. It highlights how a situation can get out of control."

The jury had heard that Mr Richardson was terrified when three or four men, including Mr Campbell's stepson, James Collins, tried to force their way into his home as he tried to shut his front door. Mr Collins told the jury that Mr Campbell pushed past him and stopped the door closing just before he was stabbed.

Mr Richardson declined to comment on leaving court after the verdict. He is now living at a secret address.

Updated: 11:17 Friday, February 08, 2002