One of Stephen Lawrence’s murderers, David Norris, is set to have a parole hearing in 2025, as confirmed by the Parole Board. Now aged 48, Norris could potentially have his hearing as soon as May this year, although no specific date has been finalised.
Stephen Lawrence, who was just 18, died in a racist attack in south-east London back in 1993. Despite the tragedy, only two of his attackers have been brought to justice; Gary Dobson and David Norris received life sentences in 2012.
The initial investigation into Lawrence’s murder was tainted by institutional racism within the Metropolitan Police, alongside incompetence and possible corruption. Norris began serving a minimum term of 14 years and three months for the murder following a trial at the Old Bailey that relied on minute forensic evidence.
Stephen’s father, Neville Lawrence, expressed dissatisfaction with the prospect of Norris being granted parole but indicated he could come to terms with it if Norris showed genuine remorse. 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 (for me to accept his release).”
He added, “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.” Mr. Lawrence also mentioned, “It’s not that I’m OK with it but, if someone shows they know they did something wrong and have changed, then I can accept that.”
Neville Lawrence is unsure if he will attend the parole hearing
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Although he has provided a statement to the Parole Board, Mr. Lawrence is still undecided about attending the upcoming hearing, as reported by the Daily Mail. A spokesperson for the Parole Board has confirmed: “The Secretary of State for Justice has referred David Norris’s case to the Parole Board for a review.”
They added, “A member of the Parole Board has assessed the case on the papers, by reviewing a dossier of evidence, and has decided that an oral hearing should take place.” The spokesperson also noted, “The date for this hearing is yet to be set.” For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here.
They emphasised that “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 process was described in detail: “A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. ”
It was explained that “Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.” Furthermore, “Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing.”
The spokesperson detailed the questioning process: “The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more.”They concluded with a reassurance: “Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”