A woman whose partner killed her young child may be considered for early release from incarceration. However, relatives of Maya Chappell have criticized this possibility, stating it will only add to their anguish. Dana Carr was sentenced to nine years in prison for child neglect and complicity in the death of her two-year-old daughter, Maya, who was fatally shaken by Carr’s partner, Michael Daymond. Daymond received a life sentence for the brutal assault.
Despite Carr’s potential early release under a controversial government initiative, Maya’s great-aunt Gemma Chappell condemned the decision, expressing that it reopens old wounds for the victims. Approximately 5,000 individuals are anticipated to be granted early release due to changes in sentencing guidelines aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding. This figure was reduced from 6,000 after an exemption was introduced for rapists and child sex offenders following a review initiated by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Gemma disclosed that Carr’s possible release could affect her family, as they received notification from Prison Services regarding the impact of early releases on their situation. Carr had entrusted Daymond with Maya’s care on a particular day before the child suffered fatal injuries from being violently shaken. Despite a failed appeal to reduce her sentence, Carr remains at risk of early release.
Gemma emphasized the need for ongoing scrutiny of the release scheme, advocating for a more comprehensive review process. The family has been advocating for Maya’s Law, which would enhance child protection measures by disclosing pertinent information to guardians when a child is at risk due to a caregiver’s history. Gemma believes that the release scheme should align with Maya’s Law to safeguard vulnerable children effectively.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Justice by the Mirror were unsuccessful.
