Concerns around potential early jail release of County Durham toddler's abuser
Two year-old Maya Chappell was killed by her mum's partner at the time in 2022.
The family of a County Durham toddler who was shaken to death say they're concerned about the potential early release of one of her abusers.
Two year-old Maya Chappell was killed by her mum's partner at the time in 2022.
Dana Carr was sentenced to nine years for cruelty by neglect and allowing the death of a child. Michael Daymond was jailed for life in 2023.
Gemma Chappell, Maya's great-aunt who started the campaign for Maya's Law, said: "It's been incredibly difficult for the family, more so James, than anybody else. We know nothing changes what happened to Maya, but hearing that Dana, who was Maya's abuser, could potentially be released early than expected. It has brought back a great deal of emotion for us all.
"Like any family in our position, we do want to understand the process of how these decisions are made and whether victims and families have been properly considered and also helping James through the situation as well as each other in the family because the impact on James will be much more significant.
"I do understand that the prison system faces significant pressures and that the government has difficult decisions to make right now. However, where serious offences involving the death of a child are concerned, it's vital that the impact on victims' families is fully recognised.
"It seems that they've brought this reform in very, very quickly and there's not enough information out for the families and the victims to understand around the criteria. And some families may not know to ask for that criteria or may not understand that criteria.
"Maya's Law campaign, it's never been about punishment, it's always been about prevention and it's about preventing another family going through or experience exactly what our families experience.
"Once a child has been killed, no sentence can undo that loss. Our focus has always been on making sure professionals have the right information at the right time to protect children before tragedy happens. So yes, it strengthens my determination without a doubt to keep the campaign going and keep campaigning for this change."