It is six months since Margate businessman David O’Leary was shot dead at his home.

And for his father Dan, 68, every minute since Saturday, March 1, has been filled with anguish and determination to find the killer.

He has hired private dectives to hunt down the murderer who shot David in the chest and neck in the dark at him home at Valley Road, Lydden, near Margate, at around 2.45am after a night out.

Speaking as the sixth month anniversary approaches, Mr O’Leary said: “Make no mistake. I don’t want justice, I want revenge - an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I want this animal caged.

“I went for help to get rid of my bad thoughts. I saw a Buddhist monk in his temple in Thailand, a Catholic priest, a Rabbi, and a Church of England minister. All said 'forgive and forget’ - I said, 'never, never, never’.

“My heart is broken but I will not be broken. I will never rest until the cockroach who killed my son is burning in hell for eternity.

"My hate for him keeps me going. Every hour I curse him and anyone who helps him. Cockroach - top yourself and get to hell. End your worthless life.”

He spoke of the last moments of his son’s life. He said: “David had been to a club in Margate drinking. He went to another club and then went home. There was a man inside the house and he shot David in the chest and he fell backwards.

“The man said to Emma (David O’Leary’s partner Emma Terry) to lie on floor, but she ran. There was a second shot which hit David in the neck.”

Mr O’Leary treasures fond memories of his son’s childhood including trips to Disney World and Los Angeles.

He added: “He was becoming successful in his business as a scaffolder. Not only did they finish him, they finished all his dreams.”

David O’Leary and Miss Terry had three young children.

Det Insp Lee Whitehead from the police investigation team said: "The inquiry is ongoing and we would still urge any witnesses to come forward.

"Mr O’Leary has been kept regularly updated."

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the major crime incident room on 01303 289600 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.