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Stephen Lawrence's father has stated that one of his son's killers should identify the other gang members participating in the murder before being considered for early release.

Parole Hearing Nears for Jailed Murderer

Stephen's father, 83 years old, is awaiting David Norris's first appearance before the release committee where he will plead for his release.

Norris, now 49 years old, was given to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years and three months in early 2012, more than 18 years after Stephen was killed by a racist gang while waiting for a bus home.

Special Court Proceedings

The release review will take place in prison with a live stream transmitted to a hearing room at the central London court. Norris will be visible on camera, but just the back of his head will be shown to viewers.

Authorization was granted for his parole hearing to be open to the public after media organizations petitioned with the backing of Stephen's family, with Neville Lawrence stating: "Increased public visibility, the better."

Admission and Partial Acceptance

In official documents outlining the ruling, it was revealed that Norris currently admits he was there at the scene of the murder, but asserts that he only punched Stephen and was not stabbed him.

Lawrence stressed the significance of hearing Stephen's killers identified and held accountable. "It matters for me because of what these people have done," he said.

"They destroyed my life. They've caused me not to be able to live in this country. They've deprived me of the opportunity of seeing my son marrying, of having grandchildren."

"This man has taken me of so much that there is no way I can even begin to consider that he should be allowed to be released."

Case Background

Law enforcement believe Stephen was murdered by a gang of as many as six people in southeast London, with only two having been convicted – Norris and Gary Dobson.

The two men were convicted by a jury at the central criminal court based on tiny forensic traces gathered using cutting-edge techniques.

Other suspects in the case included Jamie and Neil Acourt, who have since been found guilty of unrelated drug offences, and Luke Knight. A final individual, Matthew White, died in 2021.

Ongoing Review

The College of Policing is leading a examination of the latest phase of the investigation into Stephen's death following the guilty verdicts of Dobson and Norris.

Father's Frustration

Lawrence expressed being "disappointed" at the speed of the justice system.

He has previously said he would be willing to pardon his son's killers if they showed remorse. He stated that identifying accomplices would be a indication Norris was remorseful and of a potential change in outlook.

"If I was on that release committee, he would have to do that before I even think of him being released."

He added: "He could name the other individuals that were with him. He could name the person that fatally wounded Stephen and make a formal apology to my family for murdering my son."

He commented: "I doubt he'll make a public statement to us," continuing: "I may be biased but I don't think he should be able to roam freely – my son can't."

Tragic Events

Stephen was on his way to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham in spring 1993 when he was set upon and murdered by a gang who used racist terms before they struck.

Investigation Challenges

Incompetence and allegations of corruption, centred around Norris's drug dealer father, plagued the investigation into Stephen's death for years.

There was also outrage when it emerged that undercover officers from the Metropolitan police had spied on activists supporting the family.

In 1999, a official investigation into Stephen's death concluded that the force was systematically discriminatory.