Kimani Shaw, a 26-year-old rapper known as Marnz Malone, has been deported to Jamaica after being granted early release from an 11-year prison sentence. Shaw was convicted in 2021 for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, following a 24-hour spate of violence in Birmingham.
In May 2019, Shaw aimed a pistol at rival gang members but did not fire before being stabbed 20 times in an underpass and left for dead. While he was in intensive care, his associates carried out a drive-by shooting that killed Dante Mullings. Four other men were later jailed for life for the murder, which police described as a revenge attack.
During his time in prison, Shaw released three albums, one of which reached No 66 in the UK charts. His music included tracks reflecting on his stabbing and life behind bars. He has since stated that he has moved away from crime and learned patience.
Shaw was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, and moved to Birmingham at age six after his mother settled there following his father's death. He was released after serving two-thirds of his extended determinate sentence. The Home Office confirmed his deportation, stating that all foreign national offenders who receive a prison sentence in the UK are referred for deportation at the earliest opportunity.
