Woolwich killer Marko Balaz could serve half of 11-year sentence

The mother of a 15-year-old boy stabbed to death in Woolwich has said she felt like she had been ‘slapped in the face’ after learning one of his killers could be released from prison early. Jodian Taylor received an email from the Probation Service in June informing her that Marko Balaz, convicted of manslaughter, may serve only half of his 11-year sentence before parole.

Daejaun Campbell was attacked on Eglinton Road on 22 September 2024. He was heard shouting ‘I’m 15, don’t let me die’ before he died from his injuries. Balaz, from Abbey Wood, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced in 2025. Under the Sentencing Act, he is eligible for early release after serving 5.5 years.

Mother criticises early release plan

Taylor told the BBC that no sentence could ease the pain caused by her son’s death. She said the email from the Probation Service felt like ‘a further slap in the face’. She questioned what message the early release sent to perpetrators of violent crime, saying: ‘The moment you rob someone else of their life, overcrowding should be the least of your problems.’

Another teenager, Imri Doue, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. He will not be eligible for early release. Both killings have been linked to street gang culture in Woolwich. Daejaun was described as having been exploited and groomed by older youths.

Second fatal stabbing in Woolwich

Daejaun’s friend, Kelyan Bokassa, 14, was also fatally stabbed in Woolwich months later. Kelyan, known as Grippa, had appeared in a YouTube music video titled *Gotta Eat*, filmed beside a floral tribute to Daejaun. Two 16-year-old boys were convicted of his murder after attacking him with machetes on a bus.

Taylor said she did not understand how the justice system could justify reducing sentences for violent offenders. She said the email from the Probation Service had left her feeling that the system was failing families of victims.

What happens next

Balaz will be eligible for parole after serving 5.5 years of his sentence. A parole board will decide whether he can be released. The Ministry of Justice has not commented on Taylor’s criticism of the early release rules. It is unclear whether the Probation Service will change how it notifies victims’ families about sentence changes.