In a move that has been welcomed by the victim’s family, Justice Secretary David Lammy has intervened to prevent the transfer of Jake Fahri, the convicted killer of 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen, to an open prison. This decision comes after it was revealed that Fahri, who was released on licence in 2023, had been producing drill music under the pseudonym “TEN,” with lyrics referencing the murder he committed.
Fahri was sentenced to life in prison in 2009 for killing Mizen by throwing an oven dish at him, which shattered and severed the arteries in his neck. The Parole Board had initially recommended that Fahri be moved to an open prison, stating that he “needed to reflect” on “why he failed to be open and honest with the professionals managing his case,” and that this “could be achieved” in a less secure setting.
However, Lammy’s intervention has been praised by Mizen’s mother, Margaret, who expressed shock at the Parole Board’s initial recommendation. “I would much prefer this decision didn’t have to be made because he would have turned his life around. I’m really sad that he hasn’t,” she said, adding that Fahri “got into the witness box at his trial and lied through his teeth. Clearly, he hasn’t changed, and I’m glad the justice secretary has seen through it.”
The decision to block Fahri’s transfer to an open prison is seen as a measure to ensure “public protection,” according to a Ministry of Justice spokesperson. This comes after the Sun newspaper published a story alleging that Fahri, under the alias “TEN,” had been making music, including about the murder he committed.
Fahri had initially disputed that the music was “about his own life,” but after being recalled to prison, he accepted that he was the artist TEN. The Parole Board’s decision summary noted that Fahri “needed to reflect” on his actions, but the Justice Secretary’s intervention suggests that he has not shown sufficient signs of rehabilitation or remorse.
The case has raised concerns about the parole system and the potential for offenders to continue engaging in activities that could be seen as glorifying their crimes. Lammy’s decision to block Fahri’s transfer to an open prison has been welcomed as a step towards ensuring the safety of the public and the continued pursuit of justice for the Mizen family.
