David Norris and Gary Dobson have been found guilty of the murder of Stephen Lawrence 18 years after his tragic death, following a trial based on new forensic evidence. The two men were originally named as part of five ‘prime suspects’.

A catalogue of police errors marred the case and the ability to bring any suspects to court until now. The original failed investigation lead to the Lawrence Inquiry which branded the Metropolitan police as institutionally racist.

According to research by the Institute of Race Relations, since 1993 when Stephen was killed, 96 people have lost their lives in the UK in apparent racial attacks – a rate of over five each year.

Sabby Dhalu, Secretary of One Society Many Cultures said:

“We stand in solidarity with the family of Stephen Lawrence who have, up until today, been denied any justice for 18 long and painful years. Whilst we welcome the verdict, it has only been possible due to the unrelenting campaigning of the Lawrence family, who have faced many obstacles and had hopes dashed all too often over the years.

“We should heed the words of Doreen Lawrence. Racist murders and attacks still occur. Today’s verdict should not be used as an excuse to pretend institutional racism has been eradicated.

“We hope that lessons are learnt about the barbarity of racism and its mortal impact upon black communities, and that as recommended in the 1999 Stephen Lawrence Inquriy, steps are taken to overcome the institutional racism which denied this family, and continues to deny others, justice.”