David Norris, one of the racist killers of teenager Stephen Lawrence, has been refused parole after a panel ruled his release would pose a risk of serious harm to the public. The Parole Board announced its decision on Tuesday 16 December 2025, concluding it could not be confident Norris had shown genuine remorse for the 1993 murder.
Parole Board questions 'genuine acceptance' of guilt
The 49-year-old, who was jailed for life in January 2012 with a minimum term of 14 years and three months, pleaded for freedom during a public hearing in October. Norris told the panel he was "deeply sorry" and "disgusted and ashamed" of his part in the attack, which he blamed on a teenage "gang mentality".
However, the board found he still minimised his racism at times and that his admissions may have been an attempt to "secure progression rather than genuine acceptance". The panel stated: "It therefore continues to be necessary for the protection of the public that he remains confined."
A cowardly refusal to name accomplices
A key factor in the decision was Norris's continued refusal to name his accomplices. He would not even confirm the involvement of his co-defendant, Gary Dobson, who was also convicted in 2012. Norris claimed revealing details would put him and his family "at risk".
This stance drew fierce criticism from Stephen Lawrence's mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence. Following the hearing, she branded Norris a "coward" and called on the Metropolitan Police to find the remaining gang members. "This man owes me the truth and the Met owe me justice," she said.
Only two of the five or six alleged attackers have ever been convicted for the murder in Eltham, southeast London.
Prison behaviour and the path ahead
The panel also decided against moving Norris to open prison conditions. His conduct behind bars was scrutinised, including an incident where he called a female nurse a "horrible c***" and clashes with Muslim prisoners. In 2022, he was moved back to a category B prison after being caught with two mobile phones and a screwdriver in his cell.
Notably, none of the prison workers who gave evidence supported his release. The only witness in favour was an independent psychologist instructed on Norris's behalf.
Norris, who had his back to the camera during the live-streamed hearing, admitted he was a "horrible, violent, racist" 16-year-old obsessed with becoming a gangster when the group targeted 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence and his friend Duwayne Brooks.
