Stephen Lawrence Murder: Mother Slams Police

The mother of Stephen Lawrence has blasted the police handling of her son's murder after two men were convicted for his killing - 18 years after the crime.

"If police had done their job properly, I could have spent 18 years grieving for my son," said Doreen Lawrence, who said the grieving process had been undermined by her campaigning for justice.

Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty for the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence 18 years ago. He was stabbed to death in a racist attack in south London.

Speaking outside the Old Bailey in London, she said: "Despite these verdicts, today is not a cause for celebration. How can I celebrate when my son lies buried? When I cannot see him or speak to him?"

She said she felt relief "that two of my son's killers have been brought to justice. Relief that these racist men can no longer think that they can murder a black man and get away with it".

But her relief was mixed with anger with the police and the 18 years of uncertainty she has faced after failed investigations.

"The fact is racism and racist attacks are still happening in this country and the police should not use my son's name to say that we can move on."

Her son should be remembered as a "bright, beautiful young man" she said.

"Hopefully now he can rest in peace."

Neville Lawrence, Stephen's father, had his statement read out by one of the prosecution lawyers.

His life was torn apart after his son's murder, said the statement. "The loss together with lack of justice has meant I have not been able to rest all this time," he said.

"I am therefore full of joy and relief that two of my son's murderers have been brought to justice and face prison.

"Something has happened over the last seven weeks. I have watched justice being done."

He added that there were "five or six attackers that night".

"I do not think I am able to rest until they are all brought to justice," he said.