David Norris is set to confess for the first time that he was involved in the murderous attack on Stephen Lawrence as he makes a bid for freedom.

Norris, 48, has always denied having anything to do with the racist killing of 18-year-old Stephen who died of stab wounds in Eltham, south east London, in April 1993. But a ruling released on Thursday reveals claims that he now admits being involved in the assault. It said: "After the trial, Mr Norris continued to deny the offence. Recent reports now suggest he has accepted he was present at the scene and punched the victim but claims that he did not wield the . He does not accept he holds racist views."

It comes after dad Neville told how he will accept Norris' release if he finally admits to the and apologises. Neville said: "He would have to say he was sorry for killing Stephen and that he had changed his ways and apologise to our family [for me to accept his release].

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"I am not satisfied with him getting parole but what I am saying is if he can show remorse and show he's changed then I will accept that."

Norris was finally jailed for Stephen's murder in 2012, and was given a minimum term of 14 years and three months which, due to time spent on remand, is nearly up. The Parole Board has now decided that Norris's forthcoming hearing should go ahead in public.

The oral hearing was due to go ahead on May 1 but it has been adjourned at the request of Norris. Norris still faces "continuing significant risks" to his safety in prison after being attacked three times by inmates, the report states.

Stephen was stabbed to death by up to six thugs as he waited for a bus with pal Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, South East London. Norris was 16 at the time of Stephen's murder.

He and Gary Dobson, 48, are the only members of the gang that killed Stephen to be convicted. They were arrested in 2010 after a cold-case review.

Dobson got a minimum term of 15 years and two months. Brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt were accused of being part of the gang and have served time for drug dealing.

Another, Luke Knight, remained free. All deny involvement in the murder. Matthew White, who died aged 50 in 2021, was named as a sixth suspect.

Two years ago, Norris was moved from HMP Dartmoor in Devon after being caught with a phone in his cell. Stephen's murder led to the 1999 Macpherson report into racism in the police.

The CPS ruled in June that four police officers involved in the botched Met probe would not face any charges. Stephen's mum, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, 72, said the decision was a new low for her family.