BLACK police chiefs are outraged at the early release of two suspects in the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry, jailed for racially abusing an off-duty officer.

Neil Acourt, aged 27, and David Norris, aged 26, who served less than half of their 18-month sentences, were released with electronic tags under a Home Office initiative to reduce overcrowding in jails.

But the release, under the Home Detention Curfew initiative, has been criticised by the Black Police Association (BPA) and Stephen Lawrence's former MP.

It also comes as a blow to Detective Constable Gareth Reid, the victim of their abuse, whose home address was accidentally revealed to their defence team during the trial.

Acourt, of Dutton Street, Greenwich, drove a car at DC Reid as he walked home from Eltham train station on May 11 last year. His passenger Norris, of Berryfield Close, Chislehurst, threw a drink carton at the black officer and shouted "nigger".

DNA samples on the carton helped identify the pair, who were found guilty of racially aggravated harassment.

BPA president Ravi Chand added: "It is hard to believe, given the current climate and community tensions, two convicted racists would be let out so early.

"Acourt and Norris need gags, not security tags, to stop them shouting racist abuse."

Former Eltham MP Peter Bottomley said: "The news of their early release will disappoint people working to eliminate street violence, racism and institutional unfairness to our fellow citizens who are black or Asian. The timing is appalling."

January 28, 2003 10:30