Lawrence killers to appeal convictions

Gary Dobson and David Norris, the two men jailed for the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, are to appeal against their convictions.

Dobson, 36, who was sentenced to at least 15 years at the Old Bailey last month, has begun the process.

It is understood that his co-accused David Norris will also seek to appeal, but papers have not yet been lodged.

Norris, 35, was given a minimum of 14 years and three months for the murder, which the trial judge, Mr Justice Treacy, said was a “terrible and evil crime”.

He urged police not to “close the file” on catching the rest of the killers after the court heard that five or six white youths set upon Stephen in London in 1993. Mr Justice Treacy said the murder was committed “for no other reason than racial hatred”.