Woolwich manslaughterer faces early release under new law

Marko Balaz, who was convicted of manslaughter for his part in the killing of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell, may be eligible for early release from prison. Campbell was fatally stabbed in Woolwich on 22 September 2024. Balaz received an 11-year sentence for manslaughter, having been cleared of murder.

The potential for Balaz's earlier release stems from the Sentencing Act 2026, which mandates that most prisoners serving fixed-term sentences will be freed after completing one-third of their term, effective from 1 October. Previously, Balaz would have been expected to serve two-thirds of his sentence before becoming eligible for release.

Victim's mother informed of changes

Jodian Taylor, Daejaun Campbell's mother, stated she received an email in June from the Ministry of Justice, via the Probation Service's Victim Contact Scheme, informing her of the potential impact of the new law on Balaz's sentence. She described the notification as a 'slap in the face', expressing that no sentence length could alleviate the pain caused by her son's death.

Taylor found little reassurance in the Ministry of Justice's statement that released offenders would enter an intensive supervision stage, often involving electronic monitoring. She noted that Balaz was already subject to electronic monitoring when her son was killed. 'I feel as though the systems that are in place to protect us cause more harm than good,' Taylor told the BBC London.

Sentencing and background

During sentencing, the court heard that Balaz had encouraged Imri Doue, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for murder, in the moments leading up to the killing. Balaz's previous convictions, including drug offences and possession of a knife, were also considered by the judge. Taylor highlighted that Balaz was already an offender in the community at the time of her son's death.

Taylor also shared that her son had been groomed by a criminal gang, and that her previous requests for help from his school, social services, and the police had been made. A child safeguarding practice review by the Royal Borough of Greenwich last month identified multi-agency failings in relation to Campbell's case. The prospect of Balaz's early release has intensified Taylor's grief and diminished her confidence in authorities.

Details of the Sentencing Act 2026

The Sentencing Act 2026, which follows a review led by former justice secretary David Gauke, introduces an earned release scheme intended to ease prison overcrowding. From 1 October, the majority of individuals serving standard determinate sentences will be released after serving one-third of their sentence. For certain violent or sexual offences carrying sentences of four years or more, the release point will change from two-thirds to halfway through the sentence. The changes do not apply to convictions for offences such as rape and some child sexual abuse and grooming offences.