A mother who permitted her partner to kill her young child may soon be set free from prison. However, the family of Maya Chappell has strongly criticized this possibility, stating that it will only intensify their suffering. Dana Carr was sentenced to nine years for child cruelty and allowing the death of her two-year-old daughter, Maya, who was fatally shaken by Carr’s partner, Michael Daymond. Daymond received a life sentence for the brutal attack.
Despite Carr’s involvement in the tragic incident, she could now be considered for early release as part of a controversial government initiative. Maya’s great-aunt, Gemma Chappell, expressed dismay over this decision, mentioning that it deeply affects the victims. Approximately 5,000 individuals are anticipated to be granted early release under the new sentencing adjustments aimed at addressing prison overcrowding. This number was reduced from 6,000 after the government excluded rapists and child sex offenders from the eligibility list following a review initiated by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Gemma revealed that Carr had entrusted Maya to Daymond’s care on September 28, 2022, leading to the fatal incident. Daymond, who had been in a relationship with Carr for a mere nine weeks, violently shook the child after learning that his Universal Credit had been stopped. Tragically, Maya succumbed to her injuries in the hospital two days later without regaining consciousness. Daymond was convicted of murder and received a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years, rendering him ineligible for early release.
While applauding the exclusion of certain offenders from early release, Gemma insisted that more serious offenders like Carr should not be exempted. She emphasized that there are still victims and families grappling with the repercussions of such crimes. Carr’s potential release has deeply impacted Maya’s father, James, and the family is distressed by the prospect. Despite Carr’s failed appeal to reduce her sentence in 2025, Gemma stressed the family’s desire for an extended sentence.
Gemma criticized the lack of consultation with victims’ families by the government, highlighting the disconnect between the authorities’ actions and the affected individuals. She underscored the need for continued scrutiny of the release scheme, particularly concerning serious offenses. The family of the two-year-old victim has been advocating for the passage of Maya’s Law, which aims to enhance child protection measures based on caregivers’ histories. Gemma believes that the release scheme underscores the necessity of Maya’s Law to safeguard vulnerable children.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Justice regarding this matter are ongoing.