// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
'Releasing my son's killer early would be a slap in the face'
Jodian Taylor said she received an email from the Probation Service informing her about the possibility of early release
The mother of a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death has said she felt as though she had been "slapped in the face" after being told one of his killers could be released from prison early.
Daejaun Campbell was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, on 22 September 2024.
Marko Balaz, of Abbey Wood, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and jailed for 11 years. He is eligible for early release under the new Sentencing Act 2026, unlike Imri Doue who was detained for life with a minimum term of 21 years for Daejaun's murder.
Daejaun's mother, Jodian Taylor, said she was told in an email from the Probation Service in June that the change in the law could affect Balaz's sentence.
Jodian Taylor with her son Daejaun Campbell, who was 15 years old when he was killed in Woolwich
The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.
The Sentencing Act 2026 follows a review led by former justice secretary David Gauke, which recommended an earned release scheme for prisoners to ease overcrowding.
Previously, Balaz would have been expected to serve two-thirds of his 11-year sentence before becoming eligible for release.
In an email sent to Taylor through the Probation Service's Victim Contact Scheme, the Ministry of Justice said the changes had been introduced following an independent review.