Stephen Lawrence's murderer 'acquired phone in prison and sent selfies from cell bragging about brutal killing'
27 September 2022, 23:03 | Updated: 28 September 2022, 00:13
One of Stephen Lawrence's killers has been placed in segregation in jail after allegations he got hold of a mobile phone and sent selfies of himself in his cell to friends outside.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed it is investigating the alleged security breach involving David Norris, warning that prisoners found with phones can expect longer jail terms.
Five men were arrested over the racist murder of 18-year-old Mr Lawrence, who was stabbed to death in Eltham, south-east London, on April 22 1993.
But just two of his killers, Norris and Gary Dobson, were brought to justice.
Both were given life sentences in 2012 after being found guilty of murder.
Sangita Myska reckons 'prison is not enough'
In May, a bid to move Norris to an open prison was blocked by then-justice secretary Dominic Raab amid fears he still posed a risk to the public.
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that Norris had been sending pictures of himself in his prison cell to friends on the outside, and using the smartphone to call and text friends, log onto Facebook and watch YouTube videos.
The newspaper said Norris had updated his WhatsApp status to indicate his eventual release from jail, claiming he would be "coming home in 2 to liven you all up".
It also said Norris wore Aviator-style sunglasses in the pictures, with a TV and Xbox in the background in his cell.
The paper said Norris boasted about his crime, saying he "never lost a wink of sleep over it".
Read more: Autumn's 'heaviest rain and strongest winds' set to hit the UK on Friday
A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We do not tolerate illicit phones in jail and prisoners found with them should expect to face longer behind bars.
"We have invested £125 million in tougher prison security measures - including X-ray body scanners that have intercepted over 20,000 attempts to smuggle contraband behind bars in the past two years."
Prisoners could be used to pick fruit and vegetables
Norris has been placed in segregation while an investigation is under way and could face further punishment depending on its outcome.
It is understood the Prison Service is conducting cell searches, while working to have any social media accounts potentially linked with Norris shut down.
