Met chief: we'll learn from this

Met Commissioner Sir John Stevens said today that the circumstances of Damilola Taylor's death "on a lonely stairwell in a block of flats" shocked the nation.

Speaking at the launch of the Bishop of Birmingham's report today, he said: "The lack of justice for Mr and Mrs Taylor and their family is a deep tragic concern to me and the Metropolitan Police Service, that they have not received justice and there is still a lack of justice today.

"I consider that the conclusions of the report demonstrate a critical need to re-evaluate the way young people - witnesses, victims or defendants are treated within the criminal justice system."

Speaking to Damilola's parents, who attended the press launch, he said: "I am absolutely delighted to see Richard and Gloria here. I believe your presence demonstrates that we will learn lessons not just for the Metropolitan Police Service but for the criminal justice system as a whole."

Afterwards Richard Taylor said: "It's disappointing to hear that resources were diverted. But I expect and hope this inquiry will be a kind of legacy to my son."