Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy has intervened to block the transfer of a convicted murderer to an open prison, after the killer was found to have boasted about his crime in a series of rap music videos.
The Murder and the Music
Jake Fahri, then aged 19, was given a life sentence in 2009 for the murder of 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen. The killing occurred on 10 May 2008 during an altercation at the Three Cooks Bakery on Burnt Ash Hill in south-east London. Fahri threw a heavy glass Pyrex oven dish at Jimmy, which shattered upon impact. A shard of glass severed vital blood vessels in the teenager's neck, causing him to bleed to death in his older brother Harry's arms.
Fahri, now 36, who performs under the rap name TEN, was released on licence in June 2023. However, he was recalled to prison in January 2024 after authorities discovered he was producing drill music that appeared to gloat about the murder. Lyrics in one song included the line: 'Watched him melt like Ben and Jerry's'. In another, he rapped: '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.'
Parole Board Recommendation Overturned
The Parole Board had initially recommended that Fahri, following his recall, could be moved to an open prison. These facilities have minimal security and allow eligible inmates to spend much of the day outside on licence for work or education. The panel argued this move would help him 'reflect on his attitude, thinking and behaviour'.
However, David Lammy has now rejected that recommendation, ensuring Fahri remains in a closed prison. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated: 'Public protection is our top priority, which is why the Deputy Prime Minister has blocked Jake Fahri's transfer to open conditions.'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously expressed concern about the 'significant additional stress' the music videos would have caused Jimmy Mizen's family.
Family Reaction and Wider Implications
Jimmy's mother, Margaret Mizen, 73, told The Sun she was 'shocked' by the Parole Board's original suggestion and relieved by Mr Lammy's decision. She stated it demonstrated Fahri had 'not changed his attitude'.
'I would much prefer this decision didn't have to be made because he would have turned his life around. I'm really sad that he hasn't,' she said. 'He got into the witness box at his trial and lied through his teeth. Clearly, he hasn't changed.'
The case highlights the complex considerations for the Parole Board and ministers when assessing prisoner suitability for lower-security conditions, particularly when offensive behaviour on licence suggests a lack of remorse. Fahri had initially disputed that the music was about his own life, but later accepted he was the artist known as TEN.
In a related incident, a photo emerged of Fahri with England footballer Marcus Rashford taken while Fahri was on licence. Rashford later clarified on Instagram that he did not know Fahri and would never refuse a fan photo, but was unable to background-check every individual.
Jimmy Mizen, described in court as being of 'immaculate character', had been out buying his first lottery ticket on his 16th birthday when he was attacked.
