Neville Lawrence, father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, has called for his son’s killers to be named before any parole is granted. David Norris, now 49, is appearing before a Parole Board hearing this week to argue for his release or transfer to an open prison. Norris was convicted alongside Gary Dobson in 2012 for Stephen’s murder in 1993.
In a statement read to the hearing, Neville Lawrence said “justice has not been done” if Norris is released without naming the other gang members involved. He told the BBC it was important for him to hear the names of all those responsible, adding: “They ruined my life. They’ve caused me not to be able to live in this country.”
Stephen’s mother, Doreen Lawrence, described the killers as “murderous thugs” and said she feared for her family’s safety. In a statement, she said Norris showed “no hint of empathy” and that she could not forgive him. His brother, Stuart, urged the board to keep Norris in prison until he reveals the truth about the night of the murder.
Norris read a statement expressing “genuine remorse”, calling his 16-year-old self a “horrible, violent, racist young man”. He apologised to black and ethnic minority communities for the fear caused by the murder. However, a prison offender manager told the hearing she did not believe Norris was ready for release, citing concerns about “non-compliance”.
The Parole Board hearing, which is partly public, will decide whether Norris should be freed. The other suspects, Jamie and Neil Acourt, have been convicted of unrelated drug offences but never charged over Stephen’s death.
