Stephen Lawrence was murdered on 22 April 1993 in an unprovoked attack. Two men have recently been charged with his murder: David Norris and Gary Dobson. They are both in custody and will stand trial later this year at the Central Criminal Court.
David Norris was charged with the murder of Stephen Lawrence on 8 September 2010.
Following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, on 23 October 2010, the Court of Appeal has today quashed the acquittal of Gary Dobson and ordered a retrial. Gary Dobson was originally acquitted in 1996 of the murder of Stephen Lawrence. He was recharged with the allegation of murder on 8 September 2010.
The Metropolitan Police Service and the Crown Prosecution Service have worked tirelessly with forensic scientists to review the evidence in this case. A full forensic review was commenced in June 2006. New scientific evidence was found and on that basis the prosecution applied for a retrial. We welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision.
In order to protect the investigation and ensure a fair trial reporting restrictions were put in place in September 2010, which have now been partially lifted.
Our thoughts at this stage go to Stephen’s family, who have never given up their quest to see justice for Stephen.
Two men now stand charged with the murder of Stephen Lawrence. It is important that nothing is said or reported which could prejudice their right to a fair trial. We remind people of their responsibilities under the Contempt of Court Act to do nothing which could prejudice any future legal proceedings. The media is asked to respect the Lawrence family’s privacy at this time.
