Stephen Lawrence murderer must name other killers, father says
The father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has said one of his son’s killers, David Norris, should identify the other men involved in the 1993 racist attack before being considered for parole.
Norris, who was convicted alongside Gary Dobson in 2012 for Stephen’s murder, is due to appear before a public Parole Board hearing on Tuesday — 13 years after receiving a life sentence. Four other original suspects were never convicted.
Dr Neville Lawrence told the BBC that for him to believe Norris is safe for release, he must reveal the names of the others who took part in the attack. “If he hasn’t changed and doesn’t acknowledge who was with him that night, he’s still a danger,” he said.
Stephen’s friend Duwayne Brooks, who was present during the stabbing in Eltham, south London, has long maintained that six men were involved. Of the original suspects, brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt and Luke Knight remain free, while a sixth suspect, Matthew White, died in 2021.
Norris has always denied involvement, giving “no comment” interviews and maintaining his innocence during appeals. However, earlier this year, reports emerged that he had partially confessed while in prison — admitting he was present but claiming he did not stab Stephen.
Dr Lawrence said Norris must also address whether he still holds racist views, recalling how police once recorded him expressing violent racist fantasies. Stephen’s mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, said Norris had shown “no hint of compassion” and remained “a danger to the public.”
Stephen’s brother Stuart Lawrence echoed this sentiment, urging that Norris should not be released until he tells the full truth.
The Parole Board will hear testimony from prison staff and psychologists before deciding whether Norris can be released on licence.
