A seven-month “nightmare” ended for a Watford father today, when a jury found him not guilty of murder.

After 13 days spent listening to evidence from eye-witnesses, police officers and medical experts, the jury took two hours and 20 minutes to find Stephen Lowe not guilty of the murder of Andrew Boag on Friday, July 25, 2008.

Mr Lowe was also acquitted of an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Mr Lowe was charged with the murder of Mr Boag three days after an altercation between the two men in Garsmouth Way, Watford, led to Mr Boag's death.

During the trial, Mr Lowe said he had acted in self-defence as he believed Mr Boag had a knife and was about to stab him.

Walking from St Albans Crown Court into the arms of his family and friends, Mr Lowe, who is known as Frosty, said: “I'm free.”

At the announcement, at around 12.45pm yesterday (Thursday), Mr Lowe held his head in his hands. His tears were replicated by the 12 family members and friends cheering in the public gallery.

He told the jury: “Thank you all”, as he was led away for the final time.

Approximately one hour later, he walked out of St Albans Crown Court and was instantly drowned by hugs and kisses.

Mr Lowe, 42, of Breakspeare Close, Watford, said: “I'm free, absolutely free.

“I was scared (as I waited for the verdict). I was in tears but justice was served at the end of the day.

“I feel relieved that 12 people who don't know me can see the good in me and know I was not a man who intentionally would want to kill anyone. I just defended myself.

“The good that's come out of it is uniting my family back together, my son and daughter who I haven't seen for years, they are all united again and our family is stronger.

“I can't believe I'm free.”

Anna Lowe, Mr Lowe's sister, said the whole family was “overwhelmed” following the verdict.

She said: “I cannot explain how I feel. To be quite honest, I could hear them speaking (when they read out the verdict) but I couldn't take it in. I cannot believe it.”

Teri Leighton, who Mr Lowe described in court as his “soul mate”, said the couple were now planning for “babies and marriage”.

She said: “I'm just in shock. I'm delighted. I'm over the moon. I couldn't be happier. I've lost so much since last year and now it's coming back to me.

“It's been hell. I'm going to plan our wedding.”

Another sister of Mr Lowe, Patsy Lowe, said she had been lighting candles in her home and praying for a positive result.

Friend Steve Hardwick, 41, said: “This is the best and correct result. Thank you to the jury for the correct result.

“We've been here everyday for him and this is the right result.

“It's been an absolute nightmare.”

Laura Ryan, the mother of Mr Lowe's eldest son Calise, said: “It's an amazing relief for the whole family.”

Calise, 20, added: “It means everything. Dad means a lot to a lot of people. It's quite a big thing for his community.”

Ann Cotcher, QC, who represented Mr Lowe, said: “I'm very pleased.”

Prosecutor Anne Evans said it was a “strength of the British judicial system” that a jury could decide the outcome of the trial.

She said: “The police did a very good job. The case was prosecuted properly and we accept the jury's verdict.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sean O'Neil from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “This has been a difficult case investigated thoroughly by officers within the Major Crime Unit.

“I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of Andrew Boag and his children who have shown tremendous courage and dignity since his tragic death and throughout the trial, I hope in time they can move on.”

After the jury's decision was announced, Judge Phillip Clegg announced he would award £300 each to a pair of witnesses, aged 17 and 16, for their bravery in giving evidence at the trial.