Mother's 'unimaginable pain' after son's murder

The mother of a drug "runner" who was stabbed to death said she felt "unimaginable pain" after his loss.

Dean Fountaine, 37, from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, died after being attacked in Ashton Road, Luton, in June 2023.

Peter Janoski, 44, was found guilty of murder and Dylan Myrie, 21, guilty of manslaughter after a trial at Luton Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Fountaine's mother released a tribute through the police to her son and said the family was relieved "justice has been served".

"After nine long weeks, the men responsible for killing our beloved son and big brother to Ashley, Benjamin and Daniel, have been found guilty of their actions," she said.

"While we are relieved that justice has been served, it has no bearing on the unimaginable pain we feel having lost our kind and gentle Dean in such a senseless and brutal way."

Mr Fountaine's mother offered her "heartfelt thanks" to the police and those involved in the case.

Det Insp Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, offered her "deepest condolences" to Mr Fountaine's family.

"I would like to commend the investigation team in what has been an extremely complex case," she added.

"Their commitment to justice, coupled with the support of the CPS and prosecution team, has ensured today's verdict."

She also called on the public to fight the "illicit drugs trade" following the case.

Police said Janoski, of no fixed abode, and Myrie, of Hallwicks Road in Luton, had plotted to rob Mr Fountaine, who they described as a runner in a rival drug gang, before stabbing him.

The pair are due to be sentenced on 20 June.

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