The BBC reports the stunning news:
Two men have been convicted of the racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence, 18 years after he was stabbed to death at a south London bus stop.
Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty by an Old Bailey jury after a trial based on forensic evidence.
Scientists found a tiny blood stain on Dobson’s jacket that could only have come from Mr Lawrence.
As he was led away, Dobson told the jury they had condemned an “innocent man”. Sentencing will be on Wednesday.
Stephen’s parents, Doreen and Neville, wept in court as the jury found both men guilty. (LibDem Councillor) Duwayne Brooks, Stephen’s best friend who had been with him on the night of the murder, tweeted: “Some justice at last”.
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One Comment
Today two of the murderers of Stephen Lawrence, who was brutally killed in a racist attack in 1993, have been brought to justice.
Issan Ghazni, Chair of EMLD said:
“I hope that this verdict will allow some sense of closure for the Lawrence family, friends and supporters who have worked with determined integrity to make sure that justice has finally been seen to be done. We hope they will regain some peace in their lives.”
Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera, former police officer and EMLD executive member, said:
“The tainted reputation of the police service has not been expunged despite this latest successful trial.
“As a result of this case community relations have been blighted by 18 years of mistrust, but there are still questions that need to be answered regarding the police service’s incompetence and ongoing institutional racism. Police services still need to build new foundations of respect, ethics and professionalism with the communities they serve.”
EMLD Vice Chair, Councillor Rabi Martins, who was one of the original members of the Metropolitan Police Race IAG (Independent Advisory Group) established following the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report commented:
“Stephen has left many legacies…one of which will be the higher levels of scrutiny now carried out by lay people from local communities into how police deal with race and racial incidents.”
Issan added:
“It also remains for the Police to prove their worth by bringing successful prosecutions of the other suspects in the case, who so far, are still free.
“Our thoughts are with Stephen, his parents Doreen and Neville and Duwayne Brooks.”