TWO men are to face trial over the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence 18 years ago, it can be reported today.
The 18-year-old A-level student was stabbed to death at a bus stop in Eltham, south east London.
Gary Dobson, 35, and David Norris, 34, were arrested last September over the April 1993 murder and are in custody.
The allegations could not be reported until today for legal reasons.
Speaking outside the Court of Appeal today Stephen's father Neville Lawrence said: "I am pleased now. I can relax. I was so tense last night."
Today Norris, wearing a dark suit and tieless shirt, was at the Court of Appeal while Dobson was not present.The new trial over Mr Lawrence's death was announced by the Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge, sitting at the Court of Appeal in London with Mrs Justice Rafferty and Mr Justice Holroyde.
In 1996 Dobson, Luke Knight and Neil Acourt were tried for murder in a private prosecution brought by Mr Lawrence's parents at the Old Bailey.
Following the trial judge's ruling that purported identification evidence was not admissible, there was insufficient further evidence to justify the continuation of the prosecution. The jury was directed to acquit the defendants and not guilty verdicts were entered. Today's ruling by the appeal judges followed an application by the prosecution for the acquittal of Dobson to be quashed and for a retrial to be ordered.
Lifting previous blanket reporting restrictions on the case, Lord Judge announced: "There is to be a new trial."
The trial is due to take place in November at the Old Bailey, where a further hearing is due in the next two months.
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