Arabnews24.ca:Tuesday 27 September 2022 07:39 PM: One of Stephen Lawrence's killers has been placed in segregation in jail after he reportedly got hold of a mobile phone and sent selfies of himself in his cell to friends outside.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed it is investigating the alleged security breach involving David Norris, one of two men jailed for life in 2012 for the racist murder of the black teenager.
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.
And on Tuesday, the Daily Mail reported Norris had been sending pictures of himself in his prison cell to friends on the outside, and using the smartphone to call and text, 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 claimed he had been seen wearing designer clothes and using an X-Box inside.
The Justice Ministry has warned prisoners found with phones can expect longer jail terms.
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Under current rules Norris will legally have the chance to apply to the parole board for release when he completes his minimum prison term of 14 years and three months.
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.
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"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."
Segregation
Norris has been placed in segregation while an investigation is under way and could face further punishment depending on its outcome.
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It is understood the Prison Service is conducting cell searches, while working to have any social media accounts potentially linked with Norris shut down.
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.
