She Failed to Protect Her Daughter – Now Maya’s Mum Could Leave Prison Years Early

The family of toddler Maya have been told that Dana Carr could leave prison years earlier than expected under changes introduced by the Sentencing Act 2026, reigniting the grief of relatives who fought for justice following the little girl’s death.

Carr, now 27, was sentenced to nine years in prison at Teesside Crown Court in December 2023 after being convicted of allowing Maya’s death and child cruelty.

Her former partner, Michael Daymond, was found guilty of murdering the two-year-old and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 20 years.

The court heard that Daymond violently shook Maya at the family’s home in Shotton Colliery in September 2022, causing catastrophic brain injuries. She was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle but never regained consciousness and died two days later.

Family ‘devastated’ by possible early release

Less than three years after both offenders were sentenced, Maya’s relatives have received a letter from the Ministry of Justice informing them that Carr may qualify for early release under the new sentencing rules.

For the family, the news has reopened painful memories they believed had finally begun to heal.

Great-aunt Gemma Chappell, from Consett, said the prospect of Carr leaving prison early had shattered the family’s confidence in the justice system.

She described the situation as “a complete mockery” of the courts, saying the dedication of police officers, prosecutors and everyone involved in securing Carr’s conviction had effectively been undermined.

Gemma also criticised Carr’s actions after Maya’s death, claiming she attended the little girl’s funeral despite knowing what had happened.

Speaking about her great-niece, she said: “Maya was a beautiful little girl who will never get a future.”

Why could Carr be released early?

The possibility of Carr’s early release stems from reforms introduced under the Sentencing Act 2026.

Under the legislation, some offenders who would previously have been released after serving 40 or 50 per cent of their sentence may now become eligible for release after serving one-third. Others who would have served two-thirds of their sentence before release could instead qualify after serving half.

However, the Ministry of Justice has stressed that the reforms will not apply to more than 18,000 offenders serving the most serious sentences. Officials also emphasised that no release date has yet been confirmed for Carr.

Previous legal challenges failed

Carr has already attempted to reduce her prison sentence through the courts.

In April last year, the Court of Appeal rejected her bid for a shorter sentence.

Her case was also reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office after concerns were raised that her original sentence may have been unduly lenient. However, then Solicitor General Robert Courts decided not to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal.

For Maya’s family, the possibility of an early release has revived fears that justice may never truly be served.

Gemma, who works as a police officer, said the reforms could set a worrying precedent for future cases involving serious child abuse and neglect.

She said the thought of Carr returning to the community while Maya had lost her life forever was almost impossible for the family to accept.

The attack that ended Maya’s life

During the original trial, jurors heard Carr and Daymond had been together for only a few weeks before moving in together.

On September 28, 2022, Daymond was alone caring for Maya after becoming angry over a drug debt and learning that his Universal Credit payments had been reduced.

It was during that time that he launched the violent assault which inflicted the fatal injuries that claimed the toddler’s life.

Maya’s Law campaign continues

Since the conclusion of the trial, Maya’s family have channelled their grief into campaigning for stronger child protection measures.

Their proposed Maya’s Law would introduce a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme designed to improve information-sharing about adults who may pose a risk to children.

Supported by The Northern Echo, the campaign has attracted more than 100,000 signatures and prompted a Westminster Hall debate, with campaigners calling for mandatory disclosure powers to better protect vulnerable children.

MPs join calls for action

The prospect of Carr’s early release has also sparked concern among local MPs.

Liz Twist said she intended to raise the case with ministers, describing the possibility of Carr leaving prison early as “incredibly concerning.”

She said the sentence imposed by the court should be served in full as a mark of justice for Maya and her grieving family.

Mary Kelly Foy also criticised the prospect of an early release, describing it as “deeply concerning” and adding to growing calls for the case to be reconsidered.

For Maya’s relatives, however, the issue goes beyond one individual case. They say the reforms risk sending the wrong message to victims’ families and have renewed their determination to continue campaigning for stronger protections for children in Maya’s memory.