Murdered interior designer David McNee's family said yesterday that they wished to be left alone to grieve in their own way, following a verdict which found Phillip Edwards not guilty of McNee's murder. A spokesman said they were glad the jury was able to reach a verdict as they "did not fancy the prospect of a further trial". They will comment further when Edwards is sentenced next month. The spokesman said the family "miss and still mourn for the David that they knew". Edwards was working as a male prostitute when Mr McNee picked him up on Karangahape Rd last July. They returned to the interior designer's home, where Edwards said he lost control and attacked Mr McNee following a sexual encounter.