‘Time to move on’ – Doreen Lawrence

Gary Dobson and David Norris were sentenced to a minimum of 15 and 14 years respectively for being part of a gang that murdered Stephen in south London in 1993.

Mrs Lawrence, who has fought for justice for her son for the last 18 years, said: “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.”

The trial judge, Mr Justice Treacy, was constrained by law from passing heavier sentences. This is because Stephen’s killers were under 18 when they murdered the teenager, and at the time, tougher sentencing rules had not yet been introduced.

He told the Old Bailey: “In modern times, an adult committing this crime would be facing a life sentence with a starting point for a minimum term of around 30 years.”

‘Cheapen black life’

US civil rights campaigner Reverend Jesse Jackson said the sentences “cheapen black life”. Asked during a visit to London whether the sentences were long enough, he said: “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.”

But Mrs Lawrence said the judge did not have any option. “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,” she said outside court.

‘Long-running sore’

London mayor Boris Johnson said: “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.”

‘Partial justice’

Deborah Glass, deputy chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said the initial Metropolitan Police investigation into the murder had been “truly shocking in its negligence”. But Scotland Yard deserved credit for continuing its investigations.

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

Ms Glass said while there had been progress, “there is equally no doubt that much remains to be done to increase the confidence of black and minority ethnic communities in policing”.