A mother who permitted her partner to kill her young child is potentially up for early release from incarceration. However, the family of Maya Chappell has expressed strong opposition to this possibility, stating that it will only add to their anguish. Dana Carr received a nine-year prison sentence for child cruelty and being complicit in the death of her two-year-old daughter, Maya, who was fatally shaken by Carr’s partner, Michael Daymond, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal assault.

The decision to consider early release for Carr is part of a controversial government initiative aimed at reducing prison overcrowding, with approximately 5,000 individuals expected to benefit from this policy change. This number was revised down from 6,000 after exceptions were made for rapists and child sex offenders following a review initiated by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Gemma Chappell, Maya’s great-aunt, criticized the potential release of Carr, emphasizing that it reopens wounds for the victims. She disclosed that the family was informed by Prison Services about the likelihood of Carr’s early release and expressed disbelief at the implications of such a serious offense being considered for leniency.

Carr left Maya in Daymond’s care on September 28, 2022, leading to the tragic events that resulted in the child’s death. Daymond, who had been in a relationship with Carr for a brief period, violently shook Maya after learning his financial support had been terminated. Maya succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, never regaining consciousness.

Despite Daymond receiving a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years, Carr’s potential early release has sparked outrage among Maya’s family. Gemma reiterated the importance of ensuring that serious offenders like Carr remain incarcerated and called for a continued review of the release scheme to safeguard victims and their families.

The family has been advocating for the implementation of Maya’s Law, which aims to enhance child protection by sharing information with parents or guardians when a child is at risk due to the history of a caregiver. Gemma emphasized that the release scheme should align with Maya’s Law to safeguard vulnerable children.

Efforts to reach the Ministry of Justice for comment by The Mirror have been made.