The public had last seen Gary Dobson and David Norris in 1998, running a gauntlet of hate after appearing at the judicial inquiry into the first, failed police investigation.
They and the other three original suspects were jeered and spat at as they left the hearing and Norris lashed out at someone as he left.
Then, as now, the two men denied any part in the murder of Stephen Lawrence. Stephen, 18, was an A-level student who was planning to be an architect.