Dobson and Norris to get extra protection in prison

The killers of Stephen Lawrence are expected to be given extra protection in prison to save them from reprisal attacks by other inmates angered by their virulently racist attitudes.

The most likely option is that David Norris and Gary Dobson will be segregated in a wing alongside other "vulnerable" prisoners such as paedophiles who are thought to be at risk from other prisoners.

Guards are also likely to be told to keep a special watch on the pair to further minimise the danger that they face, particularly from the significant numbers of ethnic-minority prisoners.

The extra precautions - partly prompted by the threat that the killers could seek compensation if an assault does take place - follow an attack on Norris in Belmarsh prison while he was in remand awaiting trial.

The assault, carried out shortly after his arrest in September 2010, is understood to have been carried out by three Asian men who reportedly battered him after he "tried to throw his weight around".

Norris was left with hearing problems as a result and wore a headset to help him hear his trial proceedings. He was given extra protection after the assault and could potentially bring legal action against prison authorities for failing in their "duty of care" towards him.

That course has been followed by other prisoners, including the Soham killer Ian Huntley, who sued the Government for £100,000 after another inmate slashed him in the throat in 2010. The Ministry of Justice pays significant sums each year to injured prisoners.

Both Norris and Dobson are currently being held in Belmarsh, although they could be moved elsewhere following today's sentencing. Decisions as to their segregation or other extra protection will be taken by the relevant prison governor.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said inmates at risk were kept apart from other prisoners when necessary.