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Neville Lawrence has stated that one of his son's killers should name the remaining gang members involved in the murder before being considered for early release.

Parole Hearing Nears for Jailed Murderer

Stephen's father, now 83, is preparing for David Norris's initial hearing before the release committee where he will request his freedom.

Norris, currently 49, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum sentence of 14 years and three months in early 2012, over 18 years after Stephen was murdered by a racially motivated group while waiting for a bus home.

Special Court Proceedings

The release review will be conducted in prison with a live stream broadcast to a hearing room at the Royal Courts of Justice. Norris will be visible on camera, but only the rear view will be visible to observers.

Permission was granted for his release proceeding to be public after news outlets applied with the support of Stephen's parents, with Neville Lawrence stating: "The more people that can see, the better."

Confession and Continuing Denial

In case papers outlining the ruling, it was disclosed that Norris now accepts he was present at the scene of the murder, but claims that he only punched Stephen and was not fatally wounded him.

Lawrence emphasized the significance of hearing Stephen's killers being named and held accountable. "It's important for me because of their actions," he said.

"They ruined my life. They've caused me not to be able to live in this country. They've robbed me of the chance of seeing my son getting married, 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 permitted to walk free."

Investigation Details

Law enforcement believe Stephen was killed by a gang of up to six people in Eltham, with only two having been brought to justice – Norris and Gary Dobson.

The pair were convicted by a jury at the Old Bailey based on tiny forensic traces collected using advanced scientific methods.

Additional individuals in the case included the Acourt brothers, who have since been found guilty of unrelated drug offences, and Luke Knight. A final individual, Matthew White, died in 2021.

Current Investigation

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

Father's Frustration

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

He has earlier stated he would be prepared to forgive his son's killers if they demonstrated regret. He indicated that naming names would be a indication Norris was remorseful and of a potential change in outlook.

"If I was on that Parole Board, he would have to cooperate before I even consider of him being released."

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

He commented: "I doubt he'll make a public apology to us," adding: "While I'm partial but I don't think he should be able to walk the street free – my son can't."

Tragic Events

Stephen was on his way to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in southeast London in April 1993 when he was set upon and killed by a gang who used racist terms before they attacked.

Police Failures

Incompetence and claims of misconduct, focused on Norris's father involved in narcotics, plagued the investigation into Stephen's death for years.

There was also public anger when it was revealed that police spies from the London police had spied on justice campaigners supporting the family.

In the late 1990s, a public inquiry into Stephen's death found that the police department was systematically discriminatory.