THE brother of murdered policeman Patrick Dunne forgave his psychopath killer yesterday.

Former pastor Stephen Dunne spoke out after Gary Nelson - one of Britain's most dangerous killers believed to have carried out 12 contract hits - was jailed for a minimum 35 years.

"Laughing assassin" Nelson shot dead bike bobby PC Dunne, 44, moments after executing nightclub bouncer William Danso more than 12 years ago.

But yesterday dad of two Stephen, 54, said: "For the effect this needless crime has had on my life I forgive Gary Nelson.

"It's right for him to be in prison. But forgiveness is the other side of justice's coin."

His mercy was echoed by the sister of dad of four Mr Danso. Gifty Vanderpuye, 42, said: "Forgiving Nelson has made it possible for me to cope."

But PC Dunne's other brother Ivan said: "I'll never forgive him. I've hated him since day one. That'll never change. I'm ecstatic at the verdict."

Shaven-headed Nelson, already serving life for having a "hitman's kit" at his home, sulked in his cell as he was convicted of double murder. He refused to give evidence.

Handing down two life sentences Mr Justice Wilkie told Woolwich crown court, South London, his absence was "moral cowardice".

Mr Danso's widow, Deborah, and Gifty wept. Stephen, of Lapford, Devon, and Ivan smiled.

Later police revealed that Nelson, a 36-year-old father of two, was "one of the most violent and dangerous men ever to walk the streets."

The Jamaican-born thug - who routinely wore #50,000 worth of "bling" - was in love with violence, called his gun "my special thing" and killed without hesitation or remorse.

He was so strong he once broke free of a straitjacket in jail and was even said to have intimidated IRA terrorists.

One drug dealer who gave evidence against him, was found dead in his cell three days later. Police think he was so scared of Nelson's revenge he killed himself.

Murder hunt leader Det Chief Insp Steve Richardson said yesterday: "Calling Nelson a hitman doesn't give the full picture. He's a wealthy major criminal into extortion, drugs and armed robbery.

"There was only one person important in his life - himself."

While in jail in 1991 for assaulting a police officer Nelson bragged of killing a cop when he was freed.

As his release neared, the prison governor warned the Yard: "I believe he means it."

In 1993, Nelson pumped a builder's van full of bullets after a road rage row. His victim, who survived, was so terrified he fled to avoid giving evidence.

Weeks later the former boxer, nicknamed Tyson, targeted 31-year-old Mr Danso who he felt had "disrespected" him.

Mr Danso had barred him from a club in Brixton, South London, and broken up a fight in which he was involved.

With two other men, Nelson went to the bouncer's home in Clapham, South West London, and killed him in a hail of bullets. Respected PC Dunne, an ex-teacher, heard the shots and raced to investigate.

Nelson shot him in cold blood before running off laughing and firing celebratory shots.

He was arrested five weeks later but charges were dropped because of lack of evidence.

Nelson was later jailed for eight years for the van shooting.

After being freed in 1999 he returned to his old lifestyle, bragging he had so many enemies he had to wear body armour 24 hours a day. But four years later he was jailed for life after police found an arsenal of weapons at his flat in Woolwich.

Detectives had never given up on nailing him for Mr Danso's murder.

They struck gold when former friend Sandra Francis led them to the murder weapons buried in a cemetery by marking lipstick crosses on a wall.

Painstakingly they built up a case that finally saw justice done. Mr Richardson said: "At least two others were involved in these murders. They can expect a knock at the door."