Stephen Lawrence murder jury told history of case ‘irrelevant’ to decision

A panel of 24 possible jurors were chosen yesterday at the Old Bailey and told they must come to a verdict “based only on what you hear and see in this courtroom”.

Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, both of south London , are accused of murdering 18-year-old Stephen in April 1993.

The A-level student was stabbed by a gang of white youths at a bus top in Eltham, south east London.

Stephen’s parents Doreen and Neville sat in seats next to the dock to see the beginning of the trial.

Current or former employees of the Metropolitan Police, forensic service and Crown Prosecution Service or their close family and friends were excluded, as were those with a detailed knowledge of the case. Any potential jurors who live in Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley, Bexley or Bexleyheath have already been ruled out.

The final 12 will be selected at random today.

Mr Justice Treacy warned the 24 possible jurors that they will take a “solemn oath” to give a true verdict according to the evidence that they hear.

He said the case has “aroused strong feelings in people” but that jurors should do nothing that might jeopardise a fair trial.

He also told the jurors that there was an “absolute prohibition” on their attempting to research the case on the internet.