Forensic advancement leads to Lawrence conviction
Developments in forensic technology, unavailable to police at the time, have helped secure the conviction of two men who were found guilty of the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993.

Developments in forensic technology, unavailable to police at the time, have helped secure the conviction of two men who were found guilty of the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993.
Following the conclusion of a six-week trial, Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty of being involved in the unprovoked attack on the 18-year-old as he waited at a bus stop with a friend. The pair were sentenced this week, with Dobson to serve a minimum of 15 years and two months and Norris 14 years and three months, after taking into account that the duo were juveniles at the time of the killing.
Delivering the sentence, Mr Justice Treacy said neither of the pair showed the slightest regret or remorse and had lied to the court.
The convictions were made possible after a forensic review of the case was ordered which subsequently found significant new scientific evidence on clothing seized from the suspects homes 18 years ago as a result of advanced forensics. Changes in the double jeopardy law also helped ensure a re-trial which enabled the appeal court to allow a new prosecution after acquittal where fresh and viable evidence is presented.
All material that was still available was provided to LGC Forensics and officers began to review and re-examine material held from earlier phases of the investigation. As a result of learning gained in the Damilola Taylor case and knowledge that forensic advancements had assisted in the finding of previously undiscovered evidence, consideration was given to re-examining any exhibits remaining in the Lawrence case.
The MPS said new thinking and technology, together with an enhanced briefing of scientists by police, instigated a strategy that found significant new forensic evidence.
A very small blood stain, which appeared to have soaked into the weave of the fabric, was found on the collar of a jacket seized from Mr Dobsons wardrobe and numerous very small flakes of possible blood were located on the jackets surface.
DNA profiles from all the blood stain and blood fragments matched Stephens profile. A number of textile fibres were also found on the jacket and in the original police packaging, which matched fibres of Stephens polo shirt, cardigan and jacket.
In addition, scientists also found a human hair with the same DNA type as Stephen or one of his maternal relatives on a pair of jeans seized from Norris home.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Cressida Dick said: This prosecution has depended upon previously unavailable scientific technology and techniques which led to the discovery of the new evidence. Throughout this inquiry there has been close co-operation between the Metropolitan Police, the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) and counsel. We have also worked very closely with the Forensic Science Service and LGC Forensics.
The Lawrence family was kept informed at all stages of the forensic review and subsequent re-investigation.
However, Stephens mother Doreen Lawrence said the verdict was not an occasion for celebration and blamed the police for the 18-year wait to see anyone convicted for the crime despite a number of previous investigations. Police are still seeking fresh evidence to convict a number of other suspects who are thought to have been involved in the stabbing, but the MPS admitted there were no live lines of inquiry.
MPS Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said a new investigation could be brought if new evidence emerges and the remaining suspects should not rest easily in their beds.
During the initial MPS investigation, the police were criticised and the force labelled as institutionally racist in the Macpherson Report of 1999. The report recommended a series of measures that would subject the police to greater public control, with increased rights for victims of crime, an extension to the number of offences classified as racist as well as calling for changes to the law on double jeopardy.
The National Black Police Associat