The Parole Board has rejected an application for release from David Norris, one of the men convicted of the racially motivated murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence. Norris, now 49, will remain behind bars.
Parole Board Rejects Release Bid
Norris had pleaded for his freedom at a Parole Board hearing held in October. However, the board has ruled he should not be freed. Norris was convicted in 2012 alongside Gary Dobson and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years and three months. He has now served beyond that minimum tariff.
During his trial at the Old Bailey, Norris denied any involvement in the attack or even being present. However, in a significant shift, Parole Board documents reveal he has recently admitted to punching Lawrence and being at the scene. The documents, written by Peter Rook KC, state Norris now accepts he was present and struck the victim but denies wielding the knife or holding racist views.
A Racist Attack That Shocked the Nation
Stephen Lawrence was just 18 years old when he was murdered in a brutal, unprovoked attack on the evening of 22 April 1993. He was waiting at a bus stop in Eltham, south-east London, when he was enveloped by a white gang who shouted racist abuse before fatally stabbing him.
The police investigation was marred by failings, and it took nearly two decades to secure convictions. Forensic advances eventually tied Norris and Dobson to the scene. The jury found them guilty under the principle of joint enterprise, meaning all present during the attack were culpable for murder.
Chilling covert video evidence from 1994, shown at trial, captured Norris using extreme racist language and fantasising about violent acts against Black and Asian people.
Lack of Full Remorse and Unanswered Questions
A key condition for parole often includes demonstrating genuine remorse and insight into one's crimes. At his hearing, Norris stated, "I will go to my grave with that guilt in my heart" and said the events of that night "should never have happened."
However, he has consistently refused to name the others who were with him during the attack. Stephen's parents, Doreen and Neville Lawrence, have long demanded that Norris identify the full group as a true sign of remorse. Up to six people are believed to have been involved in the fatal assault. Of the remaining prime suspects, three have never been convicted for the murder, and one potential sixth attacker has since died.
The Parole Board's decision means Norris will stay in prison. His case will be reviewed again at a future date, as is standard for life sentence prisoners.
