Jodian Taylor, the mother of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell, who was fatally stabbed in Woolwich, south-east London, in September 2024, has expressed her distress after being informed that one of her son's killers is being considered for early release.
Killers' Sentences
Imre Doue was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison last October. Marko Balaz was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for a minimum term of 11 years. Taylor said she was informed that Balaz is being considered for early release, while Doue intends to appeal his sentence.
Taylor told Metro: "I was at the park when I found out, and it was so distressing. I already don’t think justice has been served. This undermines it even more. I feel like I am not allowed to grieve."
New Sentencing Rules
Under the Sentencing Act, which became law earlier this year, prisoners serving time for some violent or sexual offences will become eligible for release halfway through their sentences, rather than serving the current tariff of two-thirds. Criminals including burglars and thieves are among prisoners who will be considered for release a third of the way through their sentences, down from the current 40%.
On Monday night, the Prime Minister announced that anyone found guilty of rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming will be blocked from the early release scheme, which will now come into force in October. He admitted he wanted to go even further and ban other offenders from having their time in prison shortened.
Mr Burnham assured the public that offenders would face tighter community supervision, including curfews and electronic tagging. He added: "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."
Other Families Affected
Dozens of families have come forward to share their disgust after being told that those responsible for killing their loved ones could be freed early. The mother of Pc Andrew Harper says her family is "paying the price" after learning her son's killers remain eligible for early release.
Pc Harper was 28 years old when he sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. He died after getting caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and dragged down a country road as three teenage suspects fled the scene of the burglary. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in the car and both 17 years old at the time, were handed 13 years in custody for manslaughter after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2020.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed both men may be eligible to be released from prison halfway through their sentences. Furious widow Lissie Harper, 35, told The Sun: "This is disgusting. I’m beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear Andrew’s killers are soon to be free." She added: "The Government and justice system have not just let me down, they have added insult to injury. This is an utter betrayal, one I will not be able to forgive or forget."
