Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has intervened to block Jake Fahri’s move to an open prison, overruling a Parole Board recommendation that would have seen the convicted killer moved to a low-security facility.
Fahri, who murdered 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen in 2008, was recalled to custody in January 2025 after reports emerged he had been producing drill music under the pseudonym Ten, with lyrics appearing to reference the killing.
The killer was 19 when he attacked Mizen during a confrontation at the Three Cooks Bakery in Burnt Ash Hill, south London.
He received a life sentence in 2009 with a minimum term of 14 years after pleading not guilty to murder.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Fahri was released on licence in June 2023 but remained free for less than two years before being recalled over the troubling lyrics that appeared to boast about the incident.
He initially disputed the music related to his own experiences, but has since acknowledged being the rapper known as Ten.
The Parole Board determined while Fahri should remain in custody, he could be transferred to open conditions, where prisoners with minimal security can spend much of their day outside the facility on licence.
In its written decision, the panel determined Fahri “needed to reflect on his attitude, thinking and behaviour, so that he could better understand himself, including why he failed to be open and honest with the professionals managing his case”.
David Lammy intervened to stop killer Jake Fahri from being transferred to a low-security prison
| PAPanel members agreed this “could be achieved in an open prison and recommended that Mr Fahri should be progressed in this way”.
However, the Deputy Prime Minister made the move to block any transfer of the killer to a low-security facility.
"Jimmy Mizen's murder was a horrific crime, and our thoughts remain with his friends and family,” a Ministry of Justice spokesman said.
“Public protection is our top priority, which is why the Deputy Prime Minister has blocked Jake Fahri's transfer to open conditions,” they added.
'Jimmy Mizen's murder was a horrific crime, and our thoughts remain with his friends and family,' a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said
|GETTY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Jake Fahri (right), pictured in one of his music videos
| YOUTUBEJimmy Mizen’s mother, Margaret, said she was "shocked" to learn the Parole Board had recommended Fahri’s transfer.
The grieving parent expressed relief over Mr Lammy’s intervention, which she felt demonstrated that Fahri had "not changed his attitude".
"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," Mrs Mizen continued.
"It goes to show that the things which have been said about him over the years are probably true."
Jimmy Mizen had been attacked by Fahri in southeast London
| PA"He 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,” she told The Sun.
Mizen, a former altar boy, was described as being of "immaculate character".
The youth died in his older brother Harry's arms following the 2008 attack.
He had been out purchasing his first lottery ticket on his 16th birthday.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
More From GB News