The family of a young Fife dad who died after being stabbed in May 2011 marched with supporters through their home town of Burntisland on Saturday to call for a reduction in knife crime.
The McLean family still have not come to terms with the death of 27-year-old Barry, who left behind a baby son.
His killer, Sean Kitchener, admitted “poking” Barry with a kitchen knife but made a plea of self-defence at the high court last year and was cleared of murder.
The family want the case reinvestigated and tougher penalties introduced, which they believe will reduce knife crime by “setting an example to those who carry out such horrific acts”.
Among those on Saturday’s march was Barry’s niece, Abbie McLean.
And Barry’s father Alan told The Courier it was particularly important the anti-knife crime message got out to younger people.
He said: “There was certainly more presence of children in the march, which hopefully gets the right message out to the public that we must educate and protect our children and our children’s children.
“Again, we had huge support from our community and neighbouring communities. Also, from other victims of knife crime who want to take our lead and get the message out in their communities by arranging knife crime parades.
“Fife Fire and Rescue Service, St Johns Ambulance First Aid, Burntisland Pipe Band, Burntisland Air Training Corps and most importantly, many members of our younger generation raised the profile to get the message out to others they must ‘Ditch the Knife and Cherish Life’.”
The McLean family claim there was a “catalogue of errors before, during and after the trial”.
However, they are determined not to give up.
“We are pursuing every legal avenue to ensure we get ‘Justice for Barry’ as we all have rights and even Barry has rights, although he is not here,” Alan said.
“We are progressing positively and looking at all options available to us even the court of human rights.
“Doors are opening, so we must continue our journey for justice so everyone can get some form of closure and the accused is held accountable for his actions and is punished accordingly.”
The family, who have previously taken part in anti-knife crime marches in Kirkcaldy, Edinburgh and Glasgow hope the parades will put more pressure on politicians to push for a tightening of knife crime laws.
They want a minimum of 25 years for knife killers, mandatory jail terms and clearer directions from judges to jurors.
They are campaigning for a retrial and have a petition signed by thousands of people urging tougher action on knife crime.
Mr McLean added: “I have always said from day one I will fight this until my last breath and the Justice for Barry team, who are directed by Stevie Keicher, will continue to drive this campaign until we get justice and beyond.”