Marko Balaz, 19, who was jailed for 11 years in October for his role in the killing of 15-year-old Daejuan Campbell, is now eligible for early release after serving just a year of his sentence. The decision comes as the government seeks to ease prison overcrowding.
Details of the crime
Balaz was involved in the fatal stabbing of Daejuan in Woolwich in September 2024. The teenager was attacked with a zombie-style machete by Imrie Doue, who stabbed him eight times. At the time of sentencing, Judge Sarah Munro KC described the attack as part of a 'pathetic gang rivalry'.
Daejuan, who was due to return to school the next day, was ambushed by the pair, who had covered their faces. As he lay dying, he told a witness: 'Don't let me die, I am only 15.' Balaz was found guilty of manslaughter for providing backup and encouraging Doue to deliver the fatal blows.
Mother's reaction
Daejuan's mother, Jodian, was informed that Balaz is being considered for early release. She told Metro: 'I feel like I am not allowed to grieve. One of them is being considered for early release, and the other is appealing his sentence.'
The early release scheme, initiated by Keir Starmer's government, was initially set to release 6,000 offenders in September but has been pushed back to October. Under the scheme, offenders serving standard fixed terms will be released after serving 33% of their sentence instead of 50%, while those who committed violent crimes will be released after 55%.
Exemptions and concerns
Mr Burnham announced that those who committed rape, serious child sex offences, and grooming will be excluded from the upcoming cuts. However, Jodian argues that Balaz, who was 19 at sentencing, targeted a child walking alone and should also be exempt.
Gang crime experts warn that early release could enhance a criminal's status. Dec James, an expert witness in gang crime, said that one of the largest indicators of gang seniority is how many times you have been to prison. He told Metro: 'If you are a drug dealer for a gang, go to prison and don't snitch on any higher-ups, it shows to them you are trustworthy. Being released from prison is one of the ways you progress. You walk out with a higher rank.'
Mr Burnham said he wanted to go 'even further' in exempting criminals but noted it was not possible without the prison system collapsing and putting the public 'at much greater risk'. He added: 'I fully understand the anger, anxiety and distress that's been caused. I've heard that loud and clear. I want to be honest – I wanted to go even further as I know there will still be concerns about other offenders having their sentence shortened. But it's not possible without the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing, which would put public safety at much greater risk.'
