The mother of a murdered teenage boy is distressed upon learning that one of his convicted killers is being considered for early release. Daejaun Campbell, aged 15, was fatally stabbed with a “zombie” knife in Woolwich, south-east London, in September 2024. Imre Doue was convicted of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison, while Marko Balaz was convicted of manslaughter and received a minimum sentence of 11 years.

Jodian Taylor, Daejaun’s mother, expressed her distress upon hearing that Balaz is up for early release and Doue plans to appeal his sentence. This news has left Taylor feeling that justice has not been served and has hindered her ability to properly grieve.

Under the Sentencing Act implemented earlier this year, certain violent or sexual offenders may now be eligible for release halfway through their sentences, rather than serving two-thirds of their time. Prime Minister has announced that individuals convicted of rape, serious child sexual offenses, and grooming will be excluded from this early release scheme starting in October. Offenders will face stricter community supervision measures, including curfews and electronic tagging.

Many families have voiced their outrage over the possibility of offenders being released early under this scheme. In another case, PC Harper, who died while responding to a theft, had his killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 at the time, sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that both may be released halfway through their sentences.

Lissie Harper, PC Harper’s widow, expressed her anger and disappointment at the potential early release of her husband’s killers. She described the situation as a betrayal by the government and justice system that she cannot forgive or forget.