The Parole Board has ruled that David Norris, one of the men convicted of the racist murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence, must remain behind bars. His application for early release has been rejected.
Parole Board Rejects Freedom Plea
Norris, now 49, pleaded for his freedom at a Parole Board hearing in October 2024. However, the board has decided it is not safe to release him. Norris was jailed for life in 2012 with a minimum term of 14 years and three months for his part in the murder.
During his trial at the Old Bailey, Norris denied any involvement or being at the scene of the crime. However, in a significant shift, recent Parole Board documents reveal he has now admitted to punching Stephen Lawrence and being present during the attack.
A Crime That Shocked the Nation
Stephen Lawrence was just 18 years old when he was murdered in a racist attack on 22 April 1993 in Eltham, south-east London. He was enveloped by a white gang who shouted racist abuse before he was fatally stabbed near a bus stop.
Norris was convicted alongside Gary Dobson in 2012, with the prosecution successfully arguing that being present when Lawrence was set upon meant all those there were guilty of murder by joint enterprise. Police believe up to six people may have been responsible for the fatal assault.
Lack of Remorse and Ongoing Denials
A key factor in the parole decision appears to be Norris's continued refusal to name the others who were with him that night. Stephen's parents, Doreen and Neville Lawrence, had demanded he provide these names as a sign of genuine remorse.
Despite his recent admission of being at the scene, Norris still denies being a racist or wielding the knife that killed Stephen. This claim stands in stark contrast to evidence presented at his trial, including covert video from 1994 which showed Norris using vile racist language and fantasising about violent acts against black and Asian people.
Peter Rook KC, who authored the Parole Board document, noted: "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."
Of the remaining prime suspects in the case, three have never been convicted for the murder, while a potential sixth attacker has since died.
At his hearing, Norris stated, "I will go to my grave with that guilt in my heart," adding that the "events of that night 32 years ago should never have happened." However, his failure to fully cooperate with authorities and name his accomplices has ultimately sealed his fate, ensuring he remains in prison for the foreseeable future.
