Justice catches up with racists

It may be 18 years since the teenager’s shocking murder but the sentencing of evil thugs Gary Dobson and David Norris proves that no one is beyond the reach of the law, even in a police inquiry flawed from the outset.

The application that belatedly brought these two monsters to justice must now be used to apprehend the remainder of the gang involved in the senseless murder Doreen and Neville Lawrence’s much-loved son, and the attack on his best friend Duwayne Brooks.

As Mr Justice Treacy made clear when he handed down prison terms foreshortened because of his requirement to reflect the sentencing laws in place at the time of Stephen’s murder, it is still unclear who inflicted the fatal blow.

Establishing this crucial detail now has to be the Metropolitan Police’s priority and it is encouraging that Mr Lawrence now harbours hopes of standing outside the Old Bailey in a year’s time to welcome other convictions associated with this case.

A measure of the Met’s transformation is that such comments could not have made five years ago – and that is testament to more enlightened policing and the continued advancement of DNA evidence which was instrumental in securing these convictions.

However the Met, and other police forces, still need to do far more to ensure victims of crime are treated with sufficient respect. Lessons still need to be heeded.

These two despicable criminals are of no loss to society but, realistically, they are only behind bars because of the dignity, perseverance and tenacity of Mr and Mrs Lawrence. And this was exemplified by their assertion yesterday that this prosecution is not a cause for celebration but just another step on their long journey towards justice. As such, may no family ever have to suffer again like they have.