Stephen Lawrences’ family’s long wait for justice continues into the another year

By
Paul Harris

Last updated at 11:31 PM on 30th December 2011

Stephen Lawrence was killed in 1993

Stephen Lawrence was killed in 1993

Stephen Lawrence’s family will spend their New Year weekend still awaiting verdicts in the trial of two men accused of his murder.

A jury of eight men and four women completed a second day in deliberation over the 18-year-old student’s death before being sent home until Tuesday.

It means the relentless search for justice that Neville and Doreen Lawrence have conducted since their son was fatally stabbed by a white racist mob in April 1993 will spill over into yet another year.

Yesterday they were called three times to the Old Bailey with police, lawyers, media and relatives – but only to see the jury arrive for the morning, ask a question of the judge in the afternoon, and finally to be dispatched with a ‘Happy New Year’ message from Mr Justice Treacy.

The court made history this week by opening during the holiday period so the case could continue between Christmas and New Year. The trial, which began on November 14, is now in its seventh week.

Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, both deny being part of the racist mob that attacked the black teenager in Eltham, South-East London.

Stephen's parents, Neville and Doreen, have been on a long search for justice

Stephen’s parents, Neville and Doreen, have been on a long search for justice

The prosecution is relying on new scientific evidence including a hair and blood spot, but the defence says clothing seized by police was later contaminated.

On Thursday, after summarising evidence and giving the jury a framework for arriving at its decision, Mr Justice Treacy said he wanted unanimous verdicts.

He urged the jurors to use ‘cool, calm consideration’ in reaching verdicts.

He made it clear they could take as much or as little time as they needed, adding they should deliberate ‘for as long as it takes’.

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