Lawrence gang face new trial

POLICE are ready to bring charges against the gang accused of killing Stephen Lawrence using an ancient "common law".

The breakthrough follows new evidence from the former girlfriend of suspect David Norris.

She is disputing Norris's alibi - that they were together at her home at the time of the race-hate attack - and insists he was at the scene of the killing.

Detectives have been told by Crown Prosecution Service lawyers they could charge the Lawrence Five with murder on a "joint enterprise" basis. They would not have to prove which one was the killer but could present evidence placing them all at the scene and involved.

It would still need a change in the "double jeopardy" law which prevents a person being tried again for a murder they have been cleared of by a jury.

Detectives say they could still charge Neil Acourt, Luke Knight and Gary Dobson with conspiracy to murder. The three were acquitted of stabbing black student Stephen, 18, to death at a bus stop in South East London in April 1993.

Norris and Acourt face jail for a racial attack on a black policeman when they return to court on August 27.

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