Stephen Lawrence: Latest bid for justice based on scientific evidence

Lord Judge said the acquittal application "depends on the reliability of new scientific evidence" which "by reference" to a jacket and cardigan "closely links Dobson with the fatal attack on Stephen Lawrence".

He added: "It does not and could not demonstrate that Dobson wielded the knife which caused the fatal wound, but given the circumstances of the attack on Stephen Lawrence - that is, a group of youths in a violent enterprise converging on a young man and attacking him as a group - it would be open to a jury to conclude that any one of those who participated in the attack was party to the killing and guilty of murder, or alternatively manslaughter..."

It was submitted on behalf of Dobson that the evidence was unreliable and "of no sufficient probative value" and that the results of the new examination of Dobson's clothing were likely to be the product of contamination over the years by contact between Mr Lawrence's blood and his clothing.

His QC argued that even if the scientific evidence was reliable, the apparent links with Dobson were unconnected with his presence and involvement at the scene, but the result of outdated or incompetent storage and packaging or transporting arrangements.

In 1996, Dobson, Luke Knight and Neil Acourt were tried for murder in a private prosecution brought by Mr Lawrence's parents at the Old Bailey.

Following the trial judge's ruling that purported identification evidence was not admissible, there was insufficient further evidence to justify the continuation of the prosecution.

The jury was directed to acquit the defendants and not guilty verdicts were entered.

Prosecutors were able to apply for a new prosecution under changes to double jeopardy rules which now allow for a fresh trial in the case of "new and compelling evidence".

Lord Judge stressed: "The presumption of innocence continues to apply."