WHEN Sammy Nasser was cleared of murder, cheers erupted from the public gallery for the man described during the trial as a "nice, decent, hard-working man".

He told the Argus: "I would like to thank my legal team for all their work and I'm glad this ordeal is now all over."

The prosecution alleged he had supplied the samurai sword to the gang knowing it would be used in an attack, whether on Mr Bullock or anyone else, to kill or cause serious injury.

His barrister Greg Bull, QC, said Sammy Nasser knew of no "build-up of tempers" between Mr Bullock and the gang on the night of his murder. He was, said Mr Bull, a man who avoided violence and confrontation and a "different kettle of fish" from his brother.

As he walked free from court yesterday, after spending over four months remanded in custody, he was hugged by his family and friends.