Marko Balaz, 19, who was jailed for 11 years in October for his role in the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Daejuan Campbell, is now being considered for early release after serving just one year of his sentence. The decision, part of a government initiative to ease prison overcrowding, has left Daejuan's family feeling that justice is being undermined.
Details of the crime
Daejuan was attacked in Woolwich in September 2024, ambushed by Balaz and Imrie Doue, who had covered their faces. Doue delivered the fatal blows with a zombie-style machete, stabbing Daejuan eight times. Balaz, who provided backup and encouraged the attack, was found guilty of manslaughter. At sentencing, Judge Sarah Munro KC described the attack as part of a 'pathetic gang rivalry'.
Daejuan, who was due to return to school the next day, pleaded with a witness as he lay dying: 'Don't let me die, I am only 15.' His mother, Jodian, has been told that Balaz is eligible for early release under a scheme initially introduced by Keir Starmer's government, which was set to release 6,000 offenders early in September but has been pushed back to October.
Family's anguish
Speaking to Metro, Jodian expressed her distress: 'I feel like I am not allowed to grieve. One of them is being considered for early release, and the other is appealing his sentence.' She added, 'I was at the park when I found out, and it was so distressing. I already don't think justice has been served, but this undermines it even more.'
The early release scheme allows offenders serving standard fixed terms to be released after serving 33% of their sentence instead of 50%. Those convicted of violent crimes will be released after 55%. However, exemptions have been made for those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences, and grooming, as announced by Mr Burnham.
Call for broader exemptions
Jodian argues that Balaz, an adult who targeted a child walking alone, should also be excluded from the scheme. Gang crime experts echo her concerns, noting that early release can enhance a criminal's status within gang hierarchies. Dec James, an expert witness in gang crime, explained: 'If you are a drug dealer for a gang, go to prison and don't snitch on any higher-ups, it shows to them you are trustworthy. Being released from prison is one of the ways you progress. You walk out with a higher rank.'
Mr Burnham acknowledged the public's anger but defended the scheme, saying: 'I fully understand the anger, anxiety and distress that's been caused. I've heard that loud and clear. I want to be honest – I wanted to go even further as I know there will still be concerns about other offenders having their sentence shortened. But it's not possible without the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing, which would put public safety at much greater risk.'
Impact on public safety
The early release scheme has sparked widespread debate, with critics warning that it could undermine public safety and victims' rights. The government maintains that the measures are necessary to prevent the prison system from collapsing, but families like Daejuan's feel the system is failing them. As Balaz's early release is considered, the Campbell family continues to grieve, feeling that the justice system has not fully acknowledged the severity of the crime.
