Stephen Lawrence murder: Dobson and Norris found guilty

originally by: BBC News
published: 3rd January 2012

Two men have been convicted of the racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence, 18 years after he was stabbed to death near a south London bus stop. Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty by an Old Bailey jury after a trial based on forensic evidence. Scientists found a tiny blood stain on Dobson’s jacket that could only have come from Mr Lawrence. As he was led away, Dobson told the jury they had condemned an “innocent man”. Sentencing will be on Wednesday.

In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Panorama, Stephen’s mother Doreen said: “I don’t forgive the boys who killed Stephen. They don’t think they have done anything wrong.

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Government to apologise to Alder family over custody death

Press Release by: The Guardian
published: 22nd November 2011

The government will formally apologise through the European court of human rights (ECHR) to the family of Christopher Alder, a black ex-soldier who choked to death in handcuffs on the floor of a Hull police station 13 years ago. The “unilateral declaration” made by the United Kingdom to the court is a highly unusual admission of widespread failures in the investigation into the cause of the Falklands veteran’s death.

In its statement to the ECHR, the government will concede that it breached its obligations in regard to preserving life and ensuring that no one is subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment. The family is to receive €34,000 (£29,000) from the government in an ex gratia payment and to cover legal costs.

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Two HMP Preston officers charged after death of inmate

all credits: BBC News
published: 2nd November 2011

Two prison officers have been charged following the death of an inmate at a Lancashire jail. Christopher Oldham, 36, was found hanging in his cell in HMP Preston on 21 April. He was on remand, accused of perverting the course of justice. Shaun Percy, 49, of Walton-le-Dale, is charged with misconduct in public office. He has been suspended.

His wife, Lisa, also 49, is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. She is also suspended. Both are due to appear before Preston magistrates on 21 November.

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