Neville Lawrence, father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, has said he could accept the release of one of his son's killers if he shows genuine remorse. David Norris, 48, is one of only two men convicted for the 1993 racist murder in Eltham, south-east London, and a parole hearing could take place as early as May.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Lawrence said: 'He would have to say he was sorry for killing Stephen and that he had changed his ways and apologise to our family. I am not satisfied with him getting parole but what I am saying is if he can show remorse and show he’s changed then I will accept that.'
Norris was jailed for life in 2012 alongside Gary Dobson for the murder of 18-year-old Stephen, who was stabbed to death while waiting for a bus. The original investigation was marred by institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police, incompetence and alleged corruption. It later emerged that undercover officers had spied on campaigners supporting the Lawrence family.
The Parole Board confirmed that the justice secretary had referred Norris's case for review, and an oral hearing has been scheduled. A spokesperson said: 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.' The panel will consider evidence including the original crime, behaviour change, and victim impact statements.
Mr Lawrence has submitted a statement to the Parole Board but has not yet decided whether to attend the hearing. Norris's minimum term was 14 years and three months. Before his conviction, he was protected by his father, Clifford Norris, a drug dealer and gangster. The jury was also not told of Norris Jr's conviction for racially aggravated harassment.
