The Stephen Lawrence murder trial

A nation holds its breadth as the jury is sent away to consider the verdict on the two murder suspects, Gary Dobson and David Norris accused of killing Stephen Lawrence 18 years ago.

In his closing remarks Judge Treacy told the jury, ‘Emotion, such as sympathy for the Lawrence family, has no part to play,’ adding. ‘Equally, anger at the nature of the attack on Stephen Lawrence cannot guide your decision.’

The case seems to hinge on the specks of blood -likely to be that of Stephen Lawrence-found on the clothing of one of the suspects. The defense has argued sloppy policing may have caused decontamination.

This unresolved murder with all its twist and turns, including the Public Inquiry that followed has left a deep scare in the psyche of many Black Britons. They, and above all the Lawrence family will be looking for closure from the jury.

Simon Woolley