Gary Dobson, convicted of the 1993 racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, has submitted his first request for parole. The 51-year-old, along with David Norris, was sentenced in 2012 for the killing of the 18-year-old. The convictions followed the presentation of new scientific evidence, including a stain on Dobson’s jacket that matched Stephen Lawrence’s blood.
Stephen Lawrence was attacked and fatally stabbed near a bus stop in Eltham on April 22, 1993, while waiting for a bus with a friend. Prosecutors stated he was repeatedly stabbed and left to die on the pavement by a group of white youths. Mr Justice Treacy, in sentencing Dobson and Norris, described Lawrence as an "innocent 18-year-old youth on the threshold of a promising life," who was "brutally cut down in the street in front of eyewitnesses by a racist thuggish gang."
The Parole Board has confirmed that the Ministry of Justice has referred Dobson’s case for a parole review. Stephen Lawrence’s parents, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Dr. Neville Lawrence, are expected to oppose this bid.
A spokesperson for the Parole Board stated that the review is following standard procedures. Decisions are based on assessing the risk a prisoner might pose if released and whether that risk is manageable. The board indicated it would examine all evidence, including details of the original crime, evidence of behavioral change, and the impact of the crime on the victims. Information from probation officers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and victim personal statements may be considered during the hearing, which typically involves extensive questioning.
While prisoners are not required to admit guilt to be granted parole, continued denial can make release less likely. The Parole Board did not comment on the extent to which individual prisoners have admitted their guilt.
David Norris, Dobson's co-defendant, was denied parole in December. During his public hearing, Norris, who had previously denied involvement for years, eventually admitted his role, claiming he punched Lawrence as the victim attempted to flee. However, he refused to name others involved, citing a desire to protect his family. Norris was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years and three months.
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 Stephen Lawrence's murder.
In 1997, the Daily Mail published the names and photographs of five young men, including Dobson and Norris, on its front page under the headline “Murderers,” challenging them to sue if the accusation was false. Neil and Jamie Acourt, two of the men named, have served prison sentences for drug dealing. Another, Luke Knight, denies involvement. A sixth suspect, Matthew White, who died in 2021, was identified in a 2023 BBC documentary.
Dr. Neville Lawrence has stated his intention to oppose Dobson's parole application. Speaking in April, he vowed to fight any attempts by Dobson to gain parole.
Concerns have been raised about the release of prisoners, particularly given past incidents involving Norris, who reportedly obtained a mobile phone in prison and sent messages to friends. During his parole hearing last October, Norris allegedly displayed racist views, including the use of racial slurs and alleged altercations with Muslim prisoners.