Parole Board Declines To Direct Release Of David Norris
This week the Parole Board have directed that David Norris will remain in prison, where he is serving a life sentence for the murder of Stephen Lawrence. This decision follows a public hearing held over two days in October, as well as a further day of proceedings held in private.
Stephen’s father, Dr Neville Lawrence, is represented by Susie Labinjoh, Guy Mitchell, Ailsa McNeill and Iulia Raportaru at Hodge Jones & Allen.
Guy Mitchell said: “We are relieved that the Parole Board has judged that Mr Norris is not safe for release. This is the right decision. At the public hearing, we were appalled by the accounts of Mr Norris’ racist, misogynistic and violent behaviour while in custody.
Worse still, Mr Norris continues to stand in the way of justice. Despite pleas from Dr Lawrence, he has refused to name the other individuals responsible for Stephen’s murder. It is clear that the remorse he expressed at the hearing was nothing more than a cynical attempt to obtain release. For Dr Lawrence, genuine remorse means naming the suspects; anything less deepens the injustice.”
Dr Lawrence said: “I am grateful to the Parole Board for deciding that David Norris cannot be released. I have always said I could accept his release if he showed sincere remorse. At the parole hearing, David Norris admitted to attacking Stephen, but denied the racist motive. He expressed remorse but refused to name the other killers. True remorse involves not only regret, but the courage to face up to your actions and make amends. I do not believe that he has learnt anything from that fateful night. I continue to hope that he will reflect and find it in himself to reveal the truth about Stephen’s other murderers, so they can finally be brought to justice”