THE brother of murder victim Richard Petty has told of his disgust that his brother's life was taken so cheaply.

Nigel Petty, 35, who lives in York, said he and the rest of the dead man's family were devastated to learn that he had been killed by drug dealers in a dispute over a mere £80.

He told The Northern Echo: "I am absolutely disgusted at what has happened.

"I wish they had just phoned me up and asked me for the money.

"It isn't worth a life. That's how ridiculous it is. My brother died for the sake of £80."

He added: "We are all absolutely devastated. We've lost a brother, and my mam has lost a son."

He described Richard, who was the eldest of three brothers and two sisters, as outgoing and friendly.

He said: "Richard was a really popular lad and had a big circle of friends.

"He was an outgoing, confident and happy fellow, and was a joker who liked a laugh.

"He got involved with people who were into drugs and fell into that circle.

"But he had a good heart and always remembered people. He was always willing to help people out."

Mr Petty said Richard had not finished his schooling and had never had a job.

"He didn't have that kind of lifestyle," he said. "He just sort of drifted around. But we kept in touch all the time.

"The last time I spoke to him, he was happy and in good spirits."

Richard had been released from prison shortly before he was murdered, but his brother said he was not a hardened criminal.

He said: "He was a nice, genuine lad. He just got involved in silly things."

Mr Petty was lost for words when asked to describe his feelings towards his brother's killers.

He said: "I don't think the people that have done this realise what they have done - let alone my thoughts on the subject.

"They will have to live with what they have done for the rest of their lives. I just have to live with the loss."