The mother of a murdered teenage boy is devastated upon learning that one of his assailants is being reviewed for early release.
Daejaun Campbell, 15, was discovered fatally stabbed with a “zombie” knife in Woolwich, south-east London, in September 2024.
Two individuals were convicted in connection with his demise. Imre Doue received a minimum prison term of 21 years for murder in October, while Marko Balaz was sentenced to at least 11 years for manslaughter.
Jodian Taylor, Daejaun’s mother, recently received the distressing news that Balaz is being considered for early release, while Doue plans to challenge his sentence.
Expressing her anguish, she stated, “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.”
Under the Sentencing Act, which came into effect this year, inmates convicted of certain violent or sexual offenses may become eligible for release halfway through their sentences. Prime Minister’s recent announcement blocks individuals found guilty of rape, serious child sexual offenses, and grooming from the early release program, effective in October.
While acknowledging the limitations, Mr. Burnham emphasized the enhanced community supervision measures for offenders, including curfews and electronic monitoring.
Despite the new policy, numerous families have expressed outrage over the potential early release of individuals responsible for their loved ones’ deaths under this scheme.
Pc Harper, who tragically lost his life while responding to a theft in 2019, had his 17-year-old killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that both convicts could be released halfway through their sentences, leading to a strong reaction from Lissie Harper, Pc Harper’s widow, who condemned the decision as a betrayal and vowed never to forgive or forget it.