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Stephen Lawrence killers' sentences will not be reviewed | Stephen Lawrence killers' sentences will not be reviewed |
(40 minutes later) | |
The sentences handed to Gary Dobson and David Norris for the racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence will not be reviewed, it has emerged. | The sentences handed to Gary Dobson and David Norris for the racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence will not be reviewed, it has emerged. |
Attorney General Dominic Grieve said the sentences will not be referred to the Court of Appeal for a decision on whether they are "unduly lenient". | Attorney General Dominic Grieve said the sentences will not be referred to the Court of Appeal for a decision on whether they are "unduly lenient". |
He said the minimum terms are "within the appropriate range of sentences". | He said the minimum terms are "within the appropriate range of sentences". |
Mr Grieve said the pair will not be released until, or unless, the Parole Board thinks they pose no further risk. | Mr Grieve said the pair will not be released until, or unless, the Parole Board thinks they pose no further risk. |
The pair were sentenced to life after being found guilty by an Old Bailey jury at the beginning of January. | The pair were sentenced to life after being found guilty by an Old Bailey jury at the beginning of January. |
Dobson was ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years and two months, and Norris 14 years and three months. | |
Explaining his decision not to refer the sentences to the Court of Appeal, Mr Grieve said: "This was a despicable and appalling crime. | |
"Justice was long delayed and I can fully understand why some people are unhappy that the minimum terms handed down were not longer. | |
"However, having considered the sentences carefully I have come to the conclusion that the minimum terms are within the appropriate range of sentences, bearing in mind the offenders' ages at the time of the crime, and therefore I have decided not to refer them to the Court of Appeal." | |
He stressed that the terms were the minimum periods that will actually be served. | |
"Dobson and Norris will not be released unless and until the Parole Board considers they do not pose a risk," he said. | |
Dobson, 36, and Norris, 35, were the first people convicted over the fatal attack on Mr Lawrence by a group of white youths near a bus stop in Eltham, in south-east London, on 22 April 1993. | Dobson, 36, and Norris, 35, were the first people convicted over the fatal attack on Mr Lawrence by a group of white youths near a bus stop in Eltham, in south-east London, on 22 April 1993. |
Earlier this week it emerged that the men are to appeal against their convictions. |
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