Gary Dobson, 51, who was jailed for life in 2012 for the murder of Stephen Lawrence, has submitted his first request for parole. The Parole Board confirmed that the Ministry of Justice has referred Dobson for a parole review, which is expected to be opposed by Mr. Lawrence's parents, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Dr. Neville Lawrence.
Dobson and David Norris were convicted of murdering the 18-year-old in 1993 after new scientific evidence, including a stain on Dobson's jacket matching Mr. Lawrence's blood, was presented at the Old Bailey. Mr. Lawrence was attacked and stabbed repeatedly near a bus stop in Eltham on April 22, 1993, while waiting for a bus with a friend. Prosecutors described the attack as being carried out by a "racist thuggish gang."
While prisoners are not legally required to admit guilt to be granted parole, continued denials typically make release less likely. The Parole Board stated that its decisions are focused on the risk a prisoner could pose to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable. The board will examine a wide range of evidence, including details of the original crime, evidence of behavioral change, and the harm caused to victims.
Co-defendant David Norris, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years and three months, was denied parole in December. During his hearing, Norris admitted his role in the killing after years of denial, claiming he punched Mr. Lawrence as he tried to escape. However, he refused to name others involved.
Dobson was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 15 years and two months in 2012. He and Norris are the only individuals convicted of Mr. Lawrence's murder. Both men were among five youths named on the front page of the Daily Mail in 1997, accused of the killing.
Dr. Neville Lawrence has publicly vowed to oppose Dobson's parole bid, stating that he and his former wife are prepared to make it difficult for Dobson to be released. He previously opposed Norris's parole.
The Parole Board has not yet commented on when Dobson's hearing will take place or whether it will be public. It is standard for prisoners and witnesses to be questioned extensively during hearings, which often last a full day or more. Protecting the public is stated as the Parole Board's primary objective.