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The family of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence have urged a parole panel not to release one of his killers. David Norris should remain in prison until he reveals what happened on the night of the 1993 murder, according to victim impact statements from the family.
Norris was convicted of Stephen Lawrence's murder in 2011 and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 14 years and three months. His minimum term expired in December 2024, making this his first parole consideration.
Family opposition to release
Neville Lawrence said in his statement that "justice has not been done" if Norris is released without naming other gang members involved in his son's murder. He argued that Norris's recent admission of being at the murder scene "did not come from genuine remorse" as he has yet to identify other perpetrators.
Stuart Lawrence's statement, read by solicitor Imran Khan, was equally forceful. "This individual is fully aware of the truth, but has deliberately chosen to lie and remain silent," he said. "If you have any uncertainties, I strongly encourage you to keep this individual in his current situation until he is ready to reveal the truth."
Baroness Doreen Lawrence expressed fears for her family's safety and stated it was her "firm view" that Norris should not be released. She considers him a danger to the public.
Parole hearing proceedings
The public hearing is taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a private session on Friday, to determine whether the 49-year-old should be freed or moved to an open prison. The Justice Secretary will oppose his release.
Panel chairwoman Cassie Williams quoted from the original sentencing, repeating Mr Justice Treacy's finding that Stephen Lawrence's murder was "a terrible and evil crime and was committed by a racist thuggish gang of which David Norris was a member". Evidence at the trial, which also convicted Gary Dobson, did not prove who wielded the knife, but the judge found whoever did so acted with both men's "knowledge and approval".
Williams emphasised that the family "continue to be understandably devastated by his murder" and that the case had "a profound impact on society". She clarified that the hearing's purpose is risk assessment, stating: "It is important to highlight that it is not the purpose of an oral hearing to conduct a retrial in this case or to seek to punish David Norris over and above the sentence imposed by the court."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
