Stephen Lawrence killer reportedly admits role in attack for first time

One of Stephen Lawrence’s murderers has accepted his role in the attack for the first time, according to reports from the Parole Board. 

David Norris, 48, was jailed in 2012 for the murder of 18-year-old Stephen, who was killed by a gang of racist attackers at a bus stop in Well Hall Road, Eltham, in April 1993.

Norris, who is serving a life term, became eligible for parole in December after his minimum term of 14 years expired.

The Parole Board has issued a decision that Norris’s parole hearing should be heard in public. 

The Parole Board report 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.”

Norris opposed his parole hearing being held in public, but the Parole Board ruled against him. 

The report also detailed “concerns” to Norris’s welfare in prison, based on “historic assaults against him and possible further threats”.

Norris was diagnosed with PTSD in November 2023, according to the report.

A spokeswoman said that in reaching their decision, the independent Parole Board member benefitted from access to the original public hearing application, submissions from the offender, as well as submissions from the Secretary of State. 

They also had access to a dossier of evidence, containing reports from professionals like prison offender managers.

Norris and Gary Dobson, two of the original five suspects, were convicted of murder under the law of joint enterprise.

The law allows someone to be charged with another person’s crime if it is believed that they foresaw it and intended to encourage or assist them.

In 1999, a public inquiry led by Sir William Macpherson concluded the first murder investigation into Stephen’s case was “marred” by a combination of “professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership by senior officers”.

Arrests did not take place for two weeks despite police receiving information implicating four of the prime suspects within 24 hours of the stabbing. It has never been proven who stabbed Stephen.

The Met Police has consistently said that six people took part in the attack. The force’s murder investigation was closed in 2020.

A spokeswoman from the Parole Board said: “We can confirm that an independent Parole Board member has considered an application for David Norris’ parole hearing to be held in public. They have granted that application. 

“The oral hearing, which will be held in public, is not yet scheduled. For further information on how to attend a public hearing, please see information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/applications-for-public-parole-hearings”

Pictured top: Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racist attack in 1993 (Picture: The Met)