Stephen Lawrence Murder Trial Jurors Begin Deliberating

Stephen Lawrence Jurors Should Be 'Cool And Calm' To Decide Verdict
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Jurors in the trial of two men accused of murdering Stephen Lawrence begin their first full day of deliberations today after being sent out to consider their verdicts.

Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, both from south east London, deny murdering the black teenager, who was killed in a racist attack in Eltham, south east London, in April 1993.

The trial, which began at the Old Bailey on 14 November, is now in its seventh week.

The historic court was opened especially this week during the holiday period so that the case could continue between Christmas and New Year.

Justice Treacy yesterday finished his summing-up before sending out the panel of four women and eight men. He instructing them that they must "reach verdicts on the basis of cool, calm consideration".

The jury returned this afternoon requesting to see video evidence as their deliberations continue.

During his summing-up, the judge recapped the forensic evidence found on clothing seized from Dobson and Norris's homes and the testimonies they gave to the court.

He also summarised the prosecution and defence closing speeches, before reiterating key steps that the jurors must go through to reach a verdict.

He stressed that they should take as long as they need to come to a decision.