The internet is abuzz this afternoon with the news that Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, were found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey after a trial focused on forensic evidence held since 1993. Finally there is some justice for Stephen Lawrence.
After 18 long years Stephen’s murderers have been convicted. Now we have to wait for the sentencing and that is what I worry about.
The 2011 rioters received some hefty sentences in a knee jerk response to the effect the riots had on the government’s psyche. I am hoping that the sentence that Dobson and Norris receive is proportionate to the heinous crime and the effect it has had on the Lawrence family. The murderers have walked free for 18 years, it is hoped that their sentence will be at least double that.
I miss him
After the guilty verdict Doreen Lawrence had this to say: “Today’s verdict is not a cause for celebration. How can I celebrate when my son lies buried… These verdicts will not bring my son back…
“This day could have come 18 years ago if the police meant to find my son’s killers had not failed so miserably…What I now feel is relief, relief that two of my son’s killers have finally been brought to justice….
“Mixed with relief is anger. Anger that me and my family were put through 18 years of grief and uncertainty. Not knowing if or when we would ever get justice. If the police had done their job properly I would have spent the last 18 years grieving for my son, rather than fighting to get his killers to court.
“Anger that despite the police saying this case was so important to them, the exhibits were treated in such a way the defence could suggest contamination. This result shows that the police can do their jobs properly. But only if they want to.
“I only hope that they have learnt their lesson and don’t put any other family through what we have been put through…
I miss him with a passion. Hopefully now he can rest in peace.”
UPDATE:
Gary Dobson, who was already serving a five-year sentence for drug-dealing, was sentenced to at least 15 years and two months.
David Norris, 35, was given a minimum of 14 years and three months for the murder, which the judge said was a “terrible and evil crime”.
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