Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has personally intervened to block the transfer of a convicted murderer to an open prison, after the killer was accused of using drill music to boast about his crime.
Parole Board recommendation overturned
The Justice Secretary rejected a recommendation from the Parole Board that Jake Fahri, who murdered 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen in 2008, should be moved to a lower-security open prison. Fahri is currently serving a life sentence for the horrific attack.
The decision, made on Saturday 17 January 2026, follows revelations that Fahri had embarked on a musical career under the alias 'Ten' after being released on licence in June 2023. His tracks, which appeared on platforms like Spotify and YouTube and were reportedly showcased on BBC 1Xtra, seemed to reference the killing.
A brutal crime and a controversial musical venture
Fahri, now 36, was convicted of murdering Jimmy Mizen in a south London bakery in August 2008. During a confrontation, Fahri threw a glass dish at the teenager. The dish shattered and severed blood vessels in Jimmy's neck, leading to his death.
Sentenced in 2009 to life with a minimum term of 14 years, Fahri was eventually released on licence. It was after this release that he adopted the masked drill artist persona. Following an investigation by The Sun newspaper which revealed his identity, the Ministry of Justice recalled him to prison in January 2025.
A Probation Service spokesperson stated at the time that Jimmy's parents "deserve better than to see their son's murderer shamelessly boasting about his violent crime".
Family relief and a focus on public protection
Jimmy's mother, Margaret Mizen, 73, told The Sun she was "shocked" by the Parole Board's initial recommendation for a transfer. She expressed relief at Mr Lammy's decision, stating Fahri had shown he had "not changed his attitude".
"I would much prefer this decision didn't have to be made because he would have turned his life around. I'm really sad that he hasn't," Mrs Mizen said. "He got into the witness box at his trial and lied through his teeth. Clearly, he hasn't changed, and I'm glad the Justice Secretary has seen through it."
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed the move, emphasising that "public protection is our top priority". They added: "Jimmy Mizen's murder was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with his friends and family."
The Parole Board's summary noted that Fahri initially denied being the rapper 'Ten' and disputed the music was autobiographical, but later admitted it after his recall to custody. While the panel did not recommend his release, they felt a move to an open prison, where he could spend time outside the facility on licence, would help him reflect on his behaviour.
Jimmy's parents, Barry and Margaret Mizen, were both appointed MBEs in 2013 for their charitable work through The Mizen Foundation, established in their son's memory to promote forgiveness and peace among young people.
