A mother who permitted her partner to fatally harm her young child may be granted early release from incarceration. The family of Maya Chappell has expressed strong opposition to this development, stating that it will only intensify their suffering. Dana Carr was sentenced to nine years for negligence and complicity in the death of her two-year-old daughter, Maya, who was fatally shaken by Carr’s partner, Michael Daymond, who received a life sentence for the tragic incident.
Despite the severity of the crime, Carr could potentially qualify for early release under a controversial government initiative. Gemma Chappell, Maya’s great-aunt, criticized this decision, remarking that it severely impacts the victims. Approximately 5,000 individuals are expected to be released early due to changes in sentencing guidelines aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding, down from the initial estimate of 6,000. The exclusion of rapists and child sex offenders from early release was announced following a review ordered by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Gemma disclosed that her family was notified by Prison Services about the potential impact of early releases on their situation and Carr’s possible release. She expressed disbelief at the possibility of Carr’s early release, emphasizing the profound harm it would cause to their family. Carr had entrusted Daymond with Maya’s care on a fateful day, leading to her tragic demise after being violently shaken by him due to personal issues. Daymond, convicted of Maya’s murder, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years, rendering him ineligible for early release.
While appreciating the exclusion of certain offenders from early release, Gemma urged authorities to extend their scrutiny to other serious offenses. She highlighted the distress faced by victims and families like hers due to potential releases of individuals like Dana Carr. Despite Carr’s failed appeal to reduce her sentence, Gemma emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for victims and their families.
Gemma criticized the lack of communication from the government with victims’ families, contradicting claims made by Justice Secretary Alex Norris. She emphasized the need for continued review of the release scheme to address concerns raised by victims and their families. The family of the deceased toddler has been advocating for Maya’s Law, which aims to safeguard vulnerable children by sharing pertinent information with parents or guardians about potential risks posed by caregivers with a history of abuse.
For comments on this matter, the Mirror has contacted the Ministry of Justice.
