Stephen Lawrence murder: Family’s long road to get justice

STEPHEN Lawrence’s family has endured nearly two decades waiting to see if anyone would ever be punished for his death.

His parents, Doreen and Neville, have suffered heartbreaking disappointment in their battle to bring the killers to justice, including an ill-fated private prosecution in 1996.

Throughout the trial of Gary Dobson and David Norris, they, along with their surviving son Stuart, maintained a quiet and dignified composure despite sitting feet from two men accused of the racist murder of Stephen.

They sat at the back of Court 16 in the Old Bailey paying keen attention to proceedings, and when Dobson and Norris were called to give evidence, Neville Lawrence simply moved to another seat to avoid being in touching distance of them.

Mr and Mrs Lawrence, who split up in 1999, have repeatedly been praised for their campaign to get justice for their son.

Shortly before the verdict, Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick acknowledged their “extraordinary” efforts.