Now catch other suspects, says friend

Stephen Lawrence's best friend today told how he hoped the conviction of two of the teenager's murderers will inspire police to bring other suspects to justice.

Duwayne Brooks, who was with Stephen when he was stabbed, said that only then would he have "full closure".

Mr Brooks, now a Liberal Democrat councillor in Lewisham, said: "I am happy we have a guilty verdict but I hope more than ever this inspires the re-investigating team to bring the rest of the suspects to justice. For me, it's partial closure but it can't be full closure because all the suspects have not been found guilty.

"They should be in prison and their parents, who have given evidence, if they are found to have been lying, should also be sent to prison."

Former Met Police commander and Lib-Dem mayoral candidate Brian Paddick, who was asked by officers to help convince Mr Brooks to give evidence at the trial, said: "Duwayne says there were six people involved in the killing - he is adamant about that.

"For him, only a third of the people involved in the murder have been brought to justice." Mr Paddick met Mr Brooks, 37, after the murder when he was borough commander of Lambeth. He appeared in court alongside Mr Brooks when he gave evidence at the trial in November.

Mr Brooks suffered from post-traumatic stress following the attack which he said prevented him from identifying the killers and providing the police with evidence.

His relationship with the Lawrence family subsequently broke down. Mr Paddick said Mr Brooks's "powerful" evidence at the trial two months ago was vital in securing the convictions and added that Stephen's father wanted to thank Mr Brooks.