THE MUM of a murdered teen has been left distraught after hearing one of her son’s killers is being considered for early release – less than a year after he was jailed.
Daejaun Campbell, 15, was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, after he was fatally stabbed with a “zombie” knife in September 2024.
Daejaun Campbell, 15, was stabbed to death in September 2024 Credit: PA
Mum Jodian Taylor says that one of the men jailed following his murder is being considered for early release Credit: PA
The schoolboy was found on the street crying as he begged: “Please. I’m 15. Don’t let me die”.
Imre Doue was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum 21 years in prison last October following a six-week trial at the Old Bailey.
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Meanwhile, Marko Balaz was convicted of manslaughter and was jailed for a minimum term of 11 years.
But now, Daejaun’s mum Jodian Taylor, says she has been informed that gang-member Balaz is being considered for early release while Doue intends to appeal his sentence, reports Metro.
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Marko Balaz was convicted for manslaughter and jailed for a minimum of 11 years last October Credit: Metropolitan Police
Imre Doue was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 21 years Credit: Metropolitan Police
She told the outlet: “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.”
The grieving mum had spoken about how authorities had failed her son and told BBC Panorama earlier this year how they had failed to get him away from drug dealers who had groomed him.
A review, published by the Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership (GSCP) last month, found that Taylor had repeatedly flagged her concerns in the lead-up to his death.
In that review, she penned a touching tribute to Daejaun, saying the world had lost “an extraordinary human being — a son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend”.
She added: “He was loyal to a fault, loving, caring, compassionate, helpful, understanding and a brilliant communicator. He was playful, cheeky, and had a light that shone in his own unique way.”
It comes after it emerged the two killers of hero PC Andrew Harper will still get an early release halfway through their jail-terms.
Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were jailed for 13 years in 2020 for the manslaughter of the 28-year-old officer.
The pair, who were 17 at the time of the offense in August 2019, were passengers in the car that dragged PC Harper for more than a mile along country roads in Berkshire when his ankles got caught in a towrope loop.
Petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper’s killers
Aileen O’Connor, Thames Valley Police Federation Chair, has launched a petition demanding a stop to the early release of PC Harper’s killers.
The petition has already soared past 100,000 signatures after it was posted earlier on Tuesday.
Hundreds more have taken to the comments to show their support after the Government’s decision on PC Harper’s killers sparked outrage across the country.
O’Connor said in the petition that she was “absolutely outraged” at both the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and Justice Secretary, Alex Norris.
She challenged them to “explain why those responsible for killing a police officer should still be eligible for early release”.
The decision, she said, “is an insult to Andrew’s family, his friends, his colleagues and the entire policing family”.
O’Connor added they have watched a “justice system that they trusted” fail to recognise the sacrifices made by those who “serve and protect the public”.
It sends a “deeply troubling message” about the value the Government places on people who have made those sacrifices, she continued.
O’Connor concluded with a defiant message, saying: “I will not stand by while the voices of Andrew’s family, his colleagues and police officers across this country continue to be ignored.”
To sign the petition click here.
Now, following a review, there will be no change to manslaughter cases, which means the two thugs could be out in months.
Furious widow Lissie Harper, 35, blasted the decision as “disgusting” and an “utter betrayal”.
“I’m beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear Andrew’s killers are soon to be free,” she fumed.
“The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims, and their loved ones such as me, is beyond contempt.”
Aileen O’Connor, Thames Valley Police Federation Chair, said today in The Jattvibe that the decision to set them free was the “final betrayal from the politicians, who are supposed to be on our side”.
A petition launched by Ms O’Connor passed 100,000 verified signatures on Tuesday evening.
It demands Mr Burnham and Mr Norris “explain why those responsible” for the killing should be eligible for release.
The Sentencing Act was passed in January meaning offenders on standard fixed sentences and due to be released after half their term will now leave after a third.
Violent offenders who would have been freed at two thirds of a sentence will now be out after half.
Prime Minister, Andy Burnham had raised hopes he could block the move but decided prisons are too full to exclude manslaughter from the scheme.
He now faces being taken to court by furious cops for failing to halt the early release of PC Harper’s killers with his family understood to be backing the move.
