One of Stephen Lawrence’s killers now accepts being involved in assaulting the teenager, according to a report by the Parole Board.
In a ruling over a public parole hearing, the board revealed that David Norris, who was jailed in 2012, may now accept he “was present at the scene and punched the victim” but denies wielding the knife that killed him.
Mr Lawrence, 18, was murdered by a gang of racists in south-east London in 1993, but only two of his killers have faced justice – Gary Dobson and Norris.
Norris, 48, was jailed for a minimum of 14 years and three months for murder in January 2012. He and Dobson were convicted under the law of joint enterprise, which means individuals can be convicted of murder if they assisted or encouraged the crime.
On Thursday the Parole Board granted an application for his first public parole hearing to be held in public.
In the ruling, vice chairman of the board, Peter Rook KC, said: “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.
“He does not accept he holds racist views.”
The report also detailed “continuing significant risks” to Norris’s safety in prison.
“He has been the victim of at least three assaults whilst in prison,” Mr Rook said.
“On two occasions he received serious injuries. The latest was in November 2022.”
Lawyers for David Norris have argued against a public parole hearing saying it could ‘sensationalise proceedings’ (Photo: CPS/PA Wire)Norris was diagnosed with PTSD in November 2023, according to the report.
Mr Lawrence’s parents are said to be supportive of the public hearing.
His father, Neville Lawrence, has previously said he is not satisfied with Norris getting parole, but if he can show remorse he will accept it.
Mr Lawrence told the Daily Mail: “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).
“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.”
Norris’s lawyers argued against a public parole hearing, saying it will increase the risk to his safety and that the inmate will not be able to give his “best evidence” over concerns that the media will “sensationalise the proceedings”.
A date has not yet been set for his parole hearing.
The original police investigation into the teenager’s death was marred by institutional racism in the Met, incompetence and alleged corruption.
A further three suspects – Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt – have denied being involved in the murder, and none of them have been convicted in connection with the killing.
Two years ago a sixth man, Matthew White, was named as a major suspect in the case. The man, who is now deceased, was originally categorised by police as a witness of the killing.
Additional reporting by the Press Association
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