DOMINIC Grieve has today ruled out reviewing the sentences given to Stephen Lawrence's murderers.

The Attorney General, who is also MP for Beaconsfield, ruled the sentences handed to Gary Dobson and David Norris for the racist killing of A Level student Mr Lawrence were not unduly lenient.

The trial judge had to pass sentence according to the guidelines that were in place at the time of the killing in 1993, when Dobson and Norris were both under the age of 18.

Dobson was caged for a minimum of 15 years and two months and Norris must serve at least 14 years and three months before he is eligible for parole. Both men are to appeal their convictions.

Their sentences could have been referred to the Court of Appeal had they been deemed unduly lenient, but Mr Grieve has decided against doing so.

He said: "This was a despicable and appalling crime. Justice was long delayed and I can fully understand why some people are unhappy that the minimum terms handed down were not longer.

"However, having considered the sentences carefully I have come to the conclusion that the minimum terms are within the appropriate range of sentences, bearing in mind the offenders' ages at the time of the crime, and therefore I have decided not to refer them to the Court of Appeal.

"It is perhaps worth emphasising that the terms are the minimum periods that will actually be served. Dobson and Norris will not be released unless and until the Parole Board considers they do not pose a risk."