Stephen Lawrence detectives will not face prosecution - BBC.com

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided not to prosecute two former Metropolitan Police detectives in relation to the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation. The decision was made after a two-year investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC concluded that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the two detectives, who were accused of perverting the course of justice. The CPS has now reviewed the evidence and agreed with the IOPC's assessment. The Lawrence family's lawyer, Michael Mansfield QC, has expressed disappointment at the decision, but said that the family understands the CPS's reasoning. The murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager, in 1993, was a landmark case in British racial justice. The initial police investigation was widely criticized for its failings, and the case led to the Macpherson Inquiry, which found that the Metropolitan Police was institutionally racist. The two detectives who were the subject of the recent investigation were accused of making false statements and suppressing evidence during the original investigation. The IOPC's investigation was prompted by a complaint from Stephen Lawrence's mother, Doreen Lawrence. She had long argued that the police had failed to properly investigate her son's murder. In a statement, the CPS said: "We have carefully considered all of the evidence and concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction against either of the officers. "We understand that this decision will be difficult for Stephen Lawrence's family and we offer them our deepest sympathies. "However, we are satisfied that the decision is in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and that we have reached the correct conclusion." The Lawrence family's lawyer, Michael Mansfield QC, said: "We understand that the CPS has taken its decision based on the legal test for prosecution, and we respect that. "However, we remain deeply disappointed that no one will be held accountable for the failures in the original investigation. "The Lawrence family will continue to fight for justice for Stephen and for all victims of police misconduct." The Metropolitan Police said: "We understand that this is a difficult time for the Lawrence family and we offer our condolences. "We have a long-standing commitment to addressing the issues raised by the Macpherson Inquiry and we continue to work hard to build trust and confidence within our communities."

Summary

"The CPS has decided not to prosecute two former Metropolitan Police detectives in relation to the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation, citing insufficient evidence. While the Lawrence family expresses disappointment, the decision is based on the legal test for prosecution and is considered in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The decision comes after a two-year investigation by the IOPC, prompted by a complaint from Stephen Lawrence's mother, Doreen Lawrence, who had long argued that the police had failed to properly investigate her son's murder. The Metropolitan Police maintains their commitment to addressing the issues raised by the Macpherson Inquiry, aimed at building trust and confidence within the community."