Only partial justice for family, but ‘case is far from closed’

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said “much remains to be done”, while London mayor Boris Johnson declared the case is “certainly not closed”.

Mr Johnson welcomed yesterday’s sentencing but added: “The failures in the Stephen Lawrence murder case have been a long-running sore for us as a city and an embarrassment to our police force.

“I, like everyone across the country, have always been in awe of the Lawrence family’s dignified pursuit of justice. They are a fine example to us all.

“Today’s sentencing is a reflection of their tireless determination and also sends a bold message to anyone else involved in this crime. This case is certainly not closed, but I am relieved that some justice at last has been done.”

Deborah Glass, deputy chairwoman of the IPCC, said the initial investigation into the murder had been “truly shocking”.

But she said Scotland Yard now deserved credit for the two prosecutions.

She said: “Today’s sentences can only be a partial justice for the family of Stephen Lawrence.

“But following [Tuesday’s] verdicts, I would like to pay tribute to the extraordinary determination of the Lawrence family and all those who stood with them through their struggle to achieve justice for their son Stephen.”

However, US civil rights campaigner the Rev Jesse Jackson said the length of the prison sentences “cheapens black life”. On a visit to the Occupy movement outside St Paul’s Cathedral in London, he added that “justice delayed is justice denied”.

When asked if the prison terms were long enough, he replied: “I don’t think so, in the sense that they were teenagers when they did it, but they were convicted 19 years later, so it does not give a comfort zone.

“Justice should be swift and sure. The killing was sure, but the justice is incomplete because there are still killers on the loose.”