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BBC News Online looks back at the key moments in the Stephen Lawrence case. |
Back to BBC News Front Page >>
Back to Lawrence Inquiry special report>> |
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22 April 1993 Stephen Lawrence murdered in Eltham, south-east London |
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April 1994 Lawrences launch a private prosecution 
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10 February 1997 Coroners court concludes that Lawrence's death was an "unlawful killing". Soon after, the Daily Mail newspaper publishes front page pictures of the five accused, calling them murderers  |
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31 July 1997 Rt Hon Jack Straw announces an inquiry into Stephen's death, chaired by Sir William Macpherson, "in order particularly to identify the lessons to be learned for the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes" |
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11 March 1998 In advance of the public hearings beginning on 16 March 1998, Sir William says the five originally arrested must give evidence. If they refuse they will be liable to prosecution |
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27 May 1998 Brian Weeden, head of the murder squad for 14 months, admits that until recently he did not understand the legal grounds on which police can make arrests
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17 June 1998 Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Jonston says he is “very sorry” to have let the Lawrence’s down and to have supported the way the murder inquiry was conducted.
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1 July 1998 A senior Crown Prosecution Service lawyer accuses the Lawrence's of wrecking future prospects of their son's killers being brought to justice |
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1 Oct 1998 Sir Paul apologises: "I deeply regret we have not brought Stephen's racist murders to justice and I would like to personally apologise again today to Mr and Mrs Lawrence for our failure." He repeatedly denies that there is institutional racism in his force
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24 February 1999
The UK Government praised Sir William Macpherson’s report and embraces its 70 recommendations to break down institutionalised racism. Prime Minister Tony Blair promises radical reform in the wake of the report. |
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29 July 1993 Charges against two youths, who first appeared in court in June, are dropped. The Crown Prosecution Service says there is insufficient evidence to continue with the prosecution |
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April 1996 Private prosecution collapses. Identification evidence relating to the three youths is ruled inadmissible leading to acquittal |
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March 1997 Police Complaints Authority (PCA) announces it will carry out an investigation into the case |
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15 December 1997 The PCA report concludes that the police operation was well organised and effective and that there was no evidence of racist conduct. It also concludes there were weaknesses and omissions during the investigation and subsequent attempts to solve the crime had been hampered. The report is handed to Sir William's Inquiry for consideration |
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24 March 1998 Public hearings in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry begin |
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15 June 1998 Inquiry watches a videotape recorded by a secret police camera hidden in the flat of one of the suspects, showing them brandishing knives and expressing violent racist views |
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29 June 1998 Inquiry finishes evidence hearing. The following day Mrs Lawrence calls for Sir Paul Condon to resign |
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20 July 1998 The suspects are pelted with bottles after evasive and implausible evidence. The suspects release a statement denying the accusations against them |
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13 November 1998 Hearings in the inquiry come to an end in Birmingham |
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