The father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has called on the two men imprisoned for his son’s murder to turn in the other people involved in the racist attack.
Mr Neville Lawrence said the sentencing of Gary Dobson and David Norris was “only one step in a long, long journey” and called for the other killers to be brought to justice as well.
Addressing reporters outside the Old Bailey, he said: “One of my greatest hopes is that these people have now realised that they have been found out, and they are now going to go and lie down in their beds and think that they were the whole ones who were responsible for the death of my son.
“And they are going to give up the rest of the people so that I (can) come out here again in a year’s time and talk to you people again.”
Stephen’s mother, Doreen, said it had been a “really difficult day” but added that she could now start moving on with her life.
She thanked the judge, accepting that he was unable to pass stiffer sentences on Dobson and Norris.
“The sentences that happened may be quite low, but at the same time the judge’s hands were tied. And for that, as much as he can do, I am very grateful,” Mrs Lawrence said outside court.
“It’s the beginning of starting a new life because we’ve been in limbo for so long. So today we’re going to start moving on, and it’s time to take control of my life once more.”
Jail terms handed out to Gary Dobson and David Norris are only “partial justice” for Stephen Lawrence’s family, the police watchdog said today.
Echoing the concerns of Stephen Lawrence's parents, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said “much remains to be done” and London mayor Boris Johnson added that the case is “certainly not closed”.
Mr Johnson welcomed today’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, of the IPCC, said the initial investigation into the murder was “truly shocking”. But she said Scotland Yard now deserved credit for the two prosecutions.
Ms Glass, deputy chairwoman of the watchdog, said: “Today’s sentences can only be a partial justice for the family of Stephen Lawrence.
“But following yesterday’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.
“There can be no doubt that in their struggle they were also instrumental in bringing much-needed fundamental reform to policing in this country. The Independent Police Complaints Commission, the result of a recommendation of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, is itself one of those reforms.
“It is important to acknowledge the changes that have been made over the past decade, but there is equally no doubt that much remains to be done to increase the confidence of black and minority ethnic communities in policing.
“To play our part, the IPCC will strive to ensure not only that our values embody the lessons learned from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, but also that our actions reflect the aspirations for justice on which those values are based.
“While the initial investigation into Stephen’s murder was truly shocking in its negligence, I also want to acknowledge and give credit to the current Metropolitan Police investigation team.
“While nothing can diminish the family’s pain for Stephen’s loss or compensate for the initial failures of the investigation, the Metropolitan Police have since 2006 worked tirelessly to secure these convictions and to ensure that two racist killers will not be free for many years.”
PA