Met Police closes investigation into racist murder of Stephen Lawrence after 27 years: Scotland Yard chief Cressida Dick moves case to 'inactive phase'
- Stephen Lawrence was murdered by a group of racists in London in April 1993
- Five men were named by the Daily Mail as killers of 18-year-old in February 1997
- But it was not until January 2012 that two of the group were convicted of murder
- Public inquiry over probe branded the Metropolitan Police institutionally racist
Stephen Lawrence's father says he is 'disappointed but not surprised' that the investigation into his son's murder had been shelved by police.
Neville Lawrence revealed that he 'will always live with the hope that someone might come forward with evidence which will allow us to achieve full justice for Stephen'.
His comments come as police today revealed they had closed their investigation into the murder of Stephen 27 years after he was killed in a racially-motivated attack.
The 18-year-old was murdered by a group of racists while waiting for a bus in Eltham, South East London, in April 1993.
Five men were named by the Daily Mail as his killers in February 1997, but it was not until January 2012 that two of the group were convicted of murder.
Gary Dobson and David Norris were jailed for life at the Old Bailey after a trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence found years after the crime.
Two of the three remaining former suspects, brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt, have since served jail time for drug dealing, while Luke Knight has remained free.
The original investigation failed to convict those responsible, and the campaign for justice by Stephen's parents Baroness Lawrence and her former husband Neville led to a public inquiry which branded the Metropolitan Police institutionally racist.
In a statement today, Stephen's father Neville said: 'I had hoped that the conviction of two of the killers in 2012 would lead to new evidence coming to light and a prosecution of the other suspects.
'This has unfortunately not happened and, over the last few years, I have had to come to terms with the reality that some of the killers of Stephen may never be brought to justice for what they did.
Stephen Lawrence, 18, was killed by a group of racists in Eltham, South East London, in 1993
Gary Dobson (left) and David Norris (right) were jailed for life at the Old Bailey in January 2012 after a trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence found years after the crime
Pictured is David Norris (at the rear), Luke Knight (left), Neil Acourt (second left, partially obscured), and Jamie Acourt (throwing a punch) leaving a Public Inquiry into police handling of the case of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, in south London June 30, 1998
'Stephen died 27 years ago in a senseless murder by racists. The tragedy of this for us was compounded by the initial police response and investigation which were tainted by racism and incompetence. The police failures meant that we as a family had to fight a system as well as deal with the grief of losing our son.
'With the announcement today that the investigation has become inactive, I am conscious that the case can never be closed for me. I will always live with the hope that someone might come forward with evidence which will allow us to achieve full justice for Stephen - by bringing about the prosecution of the others responsible for his murder.
'I do not regret our fight for justice, although the burden has at times felt too heavy for a family to bear. In fact, I am immensely proud of everything that has been achieved along the way.
'Without the campaign we wouldn't have been where we are today. I particularly note the support I have received over the years from families who have suffered what I have, especially the family of Richard Adams, who provided me with support in my darkest hours. This experience has compelled me to try and provide this support to others struck by the tragedy of losing a child.'
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick (pictured on April 7) said she is 'sad that we have been unable to secure further convictions for Stephen, his family and friends'
Stephen's mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence said: 'I am truly disappointed that those others who were equally responsible for my son's racist killing may not be brought to justice.
'I am very sad that a line has now been drawn into the investigation and that it is now in an 'inactive' phase.
'Despite this, I would still urge anyone who has any information that could help me get all of Stephen's killers convicted, to come forward.
'It is never too late to give a mother justice for the murder of her son.
'Whilst the Metropolitan Police have given up, I never will.'
When the force announced two years ago that it was mothballing the investigation and it was unlikely to progress without new information, Doreen Lawrence said she wanted the probe closed.
However, Neville Lawrence said he hoped the family could get 'total justice' and that he would never give up.
Today, Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick said: 'This was an appalling racist murder and I am sad that we have been unable to secure further convictions for Stephen, his family and friends.
'I, and the senior investigator in charge of the case, Chris Le Pere, have met with Baroness Lawrence and Mr Lawrence and fully explained the work the team have been doing, and why we are now at this stage.
'The investigation has now moved to an 'inactive' phase, but I have given Stephen's family the assurance that we will continue to deal with any new information that comes to light.
'The investigation into Stephen's murder will also be periodically reviewed for any further investigative opportunities which may arise, for example with advances in technology.'
She added that the force has told Duwayne Brooks, who was with Stephen on the night he was killed, about their decision.
Knight, shirtless and wearing pink shorts, declined to comment when approached by a reporter at his parents' terraced house on an estate in Eltham today.
He slammed the door when asked how he felt about the Stephen Lawrence case being moved to an 'inactive phase' and someone was then heard shouting 'f*** off you c***' from the house.
The original investigation into Stephen's death was hampered by incompetence, racism and claims of police corruption surrounding Norris's father Clifford and his links to the criminal underworld.
In April 1994 the Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence to bring a prosecution, and in September that year Mr Lawrence's parents unsuccessfully attempted their own private prosecution against Dobson, Knight and Neil Acourt.
Five years later the Macpherson report, produced after a public inquiry into the case, found the Metropolitan Police guilty of institutional racism and made a series of recommendations on changes to policing and wider public policy.
Today there are still ongoing inquiries linked to the case, including an investigation by the National Crime Agency and the Independent Office for Police Conduct into alleged corruption.
The case will also inform part of the public inquiry into undercover policing that is due to start next year, after it was revealed in 2013 that a police mole infiltrated a campaign group supporting the Lawrence family's fight for justice.
Today, Commissioner Dick said: 'We were able to secure two convictions following a determined investigation in 2012 but it is well known that other suspects were also involved in the events which unfolded that night and it is deeply frustrating that we have been unable to bring them to justice.
'As a result of ceaseless campaigning for justice by Stephen's parents, profound changes have happened in policing, the law and wider society.
'I pay tribute to them for their courage and achievements. And today my thoughts are with them and all Stephen's loved ones.'
Stephen was stabbed to death in an unprovoked racist attack by a gang of white youths 27 years ago in April 1993.
In the weeks after, the two Acourts, Dobson, Knight and Norris were arrested in connection with his murder.
In July 1993, committal proceedings were scheduled for Neil Acourt and Knight but the Crown Prosecution Service formally discontinued the prosecution following a meeting with the senior investigating officer.
Then in December that year, the Southwark coroner Sir Montague Levine halted an inquest into Stephen's death after the family's barrister, Michael Mansfield QC, said there was 'dramatic' new evidence in the case. But in April 1994, the CPS said the new evidence was insufficient to support murder charges.
Five months later, the Lawrence family began a private prosecution against Neil Acourt, Knight and Dobson. This began in April 1996 at the Old Bailey but collapsed after identification evidence was ruled inadmissible - and the three were acquitted.
An inquest in February 1997 found that Stephen was 'unlawfully killed by five white youths', while in December that year a Police Complaints Authority report on the original police investigation identified 'significant weaknesses, omissions and lost opportunities'.
The Macpherson Report in February 1999 found the police guilty of mistakes and 'institutional racism' and made a series of recommendations on changes to policing and wider public policy.
It also suggested a rethink of the principle of 'double jeopardy', to allow the retrial of acquitted defendants in exceptional circumstances if new evidence emerged of their guilt.
In April that year, the five men arrested in 1993 denied involvement in the murder in a television interview.
Then, in September 2002, Norris and Neil Acourt were jailed for 18 months for a racist attack on off-duty black policeman Gareth Reid.
The campaign for justice by Stephen's parents Baroness Lawrence (left) and her former husband Neville (right) led to a public inquiry which branded the police institutionally racist
A court artist's sketch of Doreen Lawrence (left) and Neville Lawrence (third left) sitting near Gary Dobson (third right) and David Norris (second right) at the Old Bailey in November 2011
By May 2004, the CPS announced there was 'insufficient evidence' to prosecute anyone for the murder.
But in the following year, the double jeopardy legal principle, preventing suspects being tried twice for the same crime, was scrapped for certain offences when there is new evidence.
And in November 2007, police confirmed they were investigating new forensic evidence in the case.
By May 2011, the Court of Appeal agreed that Dobson's 1996 acquittal for the murder could be quashed in the face of new forensic evidence.
It could then be reported for the first time that Dobson and Norris would face trial, and this began at the Old Bailey in November 2011. They were found guilty the following January.
Then, in March 2013, a major review by Mark Ellison QC found that a Metropolitan Police 'spy' was working within the 'Lawrence family camp' during the course of the judicial inquiry into matters arising from his death.
Two years later the then-home secretary Theresa May launched an inquiry into undercover policing following the report of the Ellison Inquiry.
And in October 2015, the National Crime Agency announced that the Metropolitan Police were being investigated for alleged corruption over their initial handling of the murder probe.
One year later the Independent Police Complaints Commission found that former police boss Richard Walton, who controversially met an undercover officer during the Lawrence inquiry, would have faced disciplinary proceedings if he had not been allowed to retire.
It was alleged that Mr Walton 'obtained information pertaining to the Lawrence family and their supporters, potentially undermining the inquiry and public confidence'.
Then in September 2016, Scotland Yard announced it had received 'significant information' after a fresh appeal.
Detectives were attempting to identify a woman whose DNA was on a bag strap found at the murder scene and a separate possible witness.
But by April 2018, Scotland Yard admitted it has no new lines of inquiry in the investigation into Stephen's murder.
And in July 2019, former detective sergeant John Davidson, who was accused of corruption in the original inquiry into Stephen's death, was cleared by the police watchdog.
Stephen Lawrence: A timeline of the case that exposed racism at the heart of the Met Police
Today's announcement that police are moving the Stephen Lawrence to an 'inactive phase' marks the end of a 27-year-long case that reverberated throughout every level of British society.
Stephen's murder sparked an outcry that became a national protest, and would lead to the exposure of institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police - with repercussions that are still spreading to this day.
April 22, 1993:, Stephen Lawrence, just 18 years old, was stabbed to death in an unprovoked racist attack in Eltham, South East London.
While on his way home from a dance just after 10pm, Stephen and his friend Duwayne Brooks missed their bus and, after waiting uneasily at the bus-stop for a few minutes, decided to walk.
As Stephen and Duwayne reached a nearby roundabout on Well Hall Road, a gang of white youths on the other pavement started hurling foul and racist language at them.
One came at them with a weapon, and the others followed. Duwayne turned to run but Stephen stood his ground.
Stephen fell in a flurry of blows and kicks. As the gang left, Duwayne ran back to his friend who initially seemed only dazed. Then he collapsed.
Duwayne tried frantically to flag down passers-by and cars for help. When an ambulance and police finally arrived, officers appeared to disbelieve his story from the first – Duwayne thought his friend must have been struck with an iron bar, when in fact he had been stabbed.
On April 22, 1993, Stephen Lawrence, just 18 years old, was stabbed to death in an unprovoked racist attack in Eltham, South East London
Stephen died of blood loss before reaching hospital.
May-June, 1993: Neil Acourt, Jamie Acourt, Gary Dobson, Luke Knight and David Norris were arrested in connection with his murder, but by July the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had formally discontinued the prosecution.
December 1993: Southwark coroner Sir Montague Levine halts an inquest into Mr Lawrence's death after the family's barrister, Michael Mansfield QC, says there is new evidence in the case.
April 1994: The CPS says the new evidence is insufficient to support murder charges.
September 1994: The Lawrence family then starts a private prosecution against Neil Acourt, Mr Knight and Dobson.
December 1994: Secret video evidence is filmed showing Dobson and Norris making obscene racist remarks.
April 1996: The private prosecution against Neil Acourt, Mr Knight and Dobson begins at the Old Bailey but collapses after identification evidence is ruled inadmissible. The three are acquitted.
February 1997: An inquest jury found that Stephen was 'unlawfully killed by five white youths'.
The next day The Daily Mail runs a front page story accusing the five with the headline 'MURDERERS'.
The Daily Mail runs a front page story accusing the five with the headline 'MURDERERS'
Prime Minister Tony Blair, Cherie Blair, and Neville and Doreen Lawrence are pictured in 1999
Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre describes the momentous decision to run that front page: 'I remember the last day of the inquest very, very vividly. I remember him [Sir Paul Condon, the then Met Police commissioner] saying that he bet his life the five suspects were as guilty as sin – the tragedy was the police couldn't get the evidence necessary, the CPS wouldn't back them in a prosecution, but he was absolutely certain they were guilty.
'One sensed the palpable frustration. That night, the nine o'clock news showed the suspects and the arrogance with which they insisted on the privilege of silence. These guys were taking the p*ss out of British justice.
'At that moment I picked up a layout pad and I wrote down the word 'MURDERERS' in huge type and underlined it.'
December 1997: A Police Complaints Authority report on the original police investigation of Stephen's murder identifies 'significant weaknesses, omissions and lost opportunities'.
February 1999: The Macpherson Report finds the police guilty of mistakes and 'institutional racism.' It also suggested a rethink of the principle of 'double jeopardy' laws.
April 1999: The five men arrested in 1993 deny involvement in the murder in a television interview.
September 2002: Norris and Neil Acourt were jailed for 18 months for a racist attack on off-duty black policeman Gareth Reid.
Baroness Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, giving evidence to Home Affairs Select Committee at the House of Commons, London where she said it is "unbelievable" that inquiries into the aftermath of her son's death are still ongoing, 2019
Neville Lawrence, the father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, outside the Home Office in London, where he and other campaigners who fell prey to controversial undercover policing tactics delivered a letter to the Home Secretary asking her to change the leadership of a public inquiry
May 2004: The CPS announced there was 'insufficient evidence' to prosecute anyone for the murder of Stephen Lawrence.
April 2005: The double jeopardy legal principle was scrapped for certain offences when there is new evidence.
May 18, 2011: The Court of Appeal agreed that Dobson's 1996 acquittal for the murder can be quashed.
November 14, 2011: The trial of Dobson and Norris for Stephen's murder begins at the Old Bailey.
January 3, 2012: Dobson and Norris are found guilty of murder.
March 6, 2013: A major review by Mark Ellison QC finds that a Metropolitan Police 'spy' was working within the 'Lawrence family camp' during the course of the judicial inquiry into matters arising from his death.
March 12, 2015: Then-home secretary Theresa May launches an inquiry into undercover policing following the report of the Ellison Inquiry.
October 16, 2015: The National Crime Agency announces that the Metropolitan Police are being investigated for alleged corruption over their initial handling of the murder probe.
April 11, 2018: Scotland Yard admits it has no new lines of inquiry in the investigation into Stephen's murder.
August 11, 2020: The Met Police announce there are no further lines of inquiry in the murder probe, and closes the investigation into the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence after 27 years.
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2020-08-11 19:28:01Z
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