The man convicted of murdering schoolboy Jimmy Mizen is set to be moved to an open prison, a decision that follows his recent recall to custody for glorifying the killing in a series of drill music videos.
From Murder to Music: The Path to Recall
Jake Fahri, who was 19 at the time, received a life sentence in 2009 for the murder of 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen. The court ordered him to serve a minimum of 14 years. The fatal incident occurred on 10 May 2008 inside the Three Cooks Bakery on Burnt Ash Hill in south-east London.
The attack was sparked by a petty argument between Fahri and Jimmy's older brother, Harry. In a moment of brutal violence, Fahri hurled a heavy glass Pyrex oven dish at Jimmy. The dish shattered on impact, driving shards of glass deep into the teenager's neck. The glass severed vital blood vessels, including an artery and his jugular vein. Jimmy, described in court as being of 'immaculate character', bled to death in his brother's arms. He had been out celebrating his 16th birthday to buy his first lottery ticket.
Witnesses reported that Fahri left the scene 'walking with a swagger' and with a 'big grin on his face'. He had pleaded not guilty to murder.
Release, Recall, and Controversial Lyrics
Fahri was eventually released on licence in June 2023. However, his freedom was short-lived. In January 2025, he was swiftly recalled to prison after it was revealed he was producing drill rap music under the alias 'TEN'.
In his videos, the masked rapper appeared to boast about the murder. One lyric chillingly stated: 'Watched him melt like Ben and Jerry's.' Another verse referenced the crime and his trial: 'Sharpen up my blade I've got to keep those necessary... Judge took a look at me, before the trial even started he already knows he's gonna throw the book at me.'
The case provoked national outrage, particularly when it emerged that some of TEN's tracks had been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra. DJ Theo Johnson had praised the artist as an 'up and coming star' who 'really stands out', unaware of his true identity. Jimmy's mother, Margaret Mizen, publicly criticised the BBC for 'playing the songs of a murderer'. The corporation later stated it was unaware of his background and had no plans to play his music again.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed concern, noting the 'significant additional stress' the lyrics would have caused Jimmy's family.
Parole Board's Decision and Future Steps
A recent Parole Board oral hearing, held on 16 December, considered Fahri's case. The panel heard that Fahri initially disputed the music was autobiographical but later accepted he was TEN. The Board found he had not been open with his probation officer about his music career, which was a breach of his licence.
Other licence breaches were identified, including failing to disclose his alias, repeatedly entering an exclusion zone, and staying at an unapproved address. Fahri claimed ignorance of the rules, but the panel rejected this based on evidence from his probation officer.
While professional witnesses supported Fahri's re-release, the Justice Secretary opposed it. The Parole Board ultimately refused his release, concluding it could not be sure he would be safe for public protection. However, it recommended a transfer to an open prison.
The decision summary stated: 'The panel determined that Mr Fahri needed to reflect on his attitude, thinking and behaviour... It considered that this could be achieved in an open prison.' Open prisons have minimal security and allow eligible inmates to undertake work or education in the community.
The final decision now rests with the Justice Secretary, David Lammy, who must decide whether to accept the Parole Board's recommendation. A spokesperson for the Board confirmed the recommendation is advisory, not binding.
