The father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has called on one of his son’s killers to name the others involved in the racist gang attack that shocked the nation more than three decades ago.
Neville Lawrence spoke out following reports that David Norris, one of only two men ever convicted over the 1993 killing, has now accepted partial responsibility for the crime as he prepares for his first parole hearing.
Stephen, 18, was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack by a gang of white youths in Eltham, south-east London. Despite widespread public outrage, only Norris and Gary Dobson were eventually brought to justice, both jailed for life in 2012 following a landmark trial at the Old Bailey, based on newly uncovered forensic evidence.
Norris, now 48, was sentenced to a minimum term of 14 years and three months. He has previously denied involvement, but recent parole documents suggest a change in his stance.
Parole Board vice-chairman Peter Rook KC confirmed in a ruling on Thursday that Norris’s upcoming parole hearing will be held in public — a first for the high-profile case. In the ruling, Rook stated: "After the trial, Mr Norris continued to deny the offence. Recent reports now suggest he has accepted he was present at the scene and punched the victim but claims that he did not wield the knife."
Responding to the development, Neville Lawrence told the Sunday Mirror: "This man has always denied having anything to do with my son’s murder, but now 32 years on, as he attempts to get out of jail, he says he is guilty to some extent.
"Anything he says must be treated with the utmost caution, but if he now wants to tell the truth he should name the others who joined him in murdering my son."
He added: "I would hope that a good detective has already acted on this fresh information and questioned him about this in prison. If this has not happened, I would like to know why not."
Mr Lawrence also said he expects an apology from Norris "for the pain he has caused" and confirmed he has submitted a personal statement outlining the enduring impact of his son’s murder, which he hopes will be read aloud at the parole hearing.
"People in prison should show remorse," he said. "These people have taken 32 years of my life."
The Parole Board report also acknowledged "continuing significant risks" to Norris’s safety within the prison system.
The 1993 investigation into Stephen’s murder has long been condemned for its failings, with the Metropolitan Police accused of institutional racism and corruption — criticisms that were later confirmed by the landmark Macpherson Report.
Despite repeated calls over the years, no other members of the gang that killed Stephen Lawrence have ever been brought to justice.
Neville Lawrence’s appeal adds renewed pressure on authorities to revisit long-standing questions and seek justice for all those involved in one of Britain’s most notorious racist murders.
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