Lammy Blocks Killer’s Open Prison Move After Murder Rap Boast
Justice Secretary David Lammy has stepped in to prevent the killer of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen from being transferred to an open prison, after it emerged he had released drill music referencing the murder under a false identity.
Jake Fahri was jailed for life in 2009 for killing 16 year old Jimmy in a south London bakery, after throwing a glass oven dish that shattered and severed arteries in the teenager’s neck. He was given a minimum term of 14 years.
Lammy Blocks Killer
Fahri was released on licence in 2023, but was later recalled to prison when reports surfaced that he was performing drill music under the name TEN, including lyrics that appeared to allude to the killing. The Ministry of Justice intervened after the Sun newspaper identified the masked rapper as Fahri.
Two years on, the Parole Board concluded that while Fahri should not yet be released, he could be transferred to an open prison. That recommendation has now been overturned by the justice secretary, with the Ministry of Justice citing public protection as the reason.
In its published summary, the Parole Board said Fahri had initially denied being the artist and disputed claims that the music reflected his own life. After his recall to custody, he accepted that he was performing as TEN.
The panel said Fahri needed to reflect on his behaviour, particularly his failure to be open and honest with probation professionals. It concluded this work could be carried out in open conditions.
Lammy’s decision to block the move has been welcomed by Jimmy’s mother, Margaret Mizen, who said she was shocked by the Parole Board’s original recommendation.
“I would much prefer this decision didn’t have to be made because he would have turned his life around,” she told the Sun. “I’m really sad that he hasn’t.”
Read More: Two Wounded in Portland Shooting During Federal Fugitive Operation
She said the episode showed Fahri had not changed his attitude. “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.”
Fahri, now 36, was recalled to prison in January 2025. At the time, the Probation Service said Jimmy’s parents deserved better than seeing their son’s killer appearing to boast about his crime.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Jimmy Mizen’s murder was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with his friends and family. Public protection is our top priority, which is why the deputy prime minister has blocked Jake Fahri’s transfer to open conditions.”
Jimmy’s parents, Barry and Margaret Mizen, founded the Mizen Foundation after his death to promote forgiveness, peace and hope among young people and communities. Both were awarded MBEs in 2013 in recognition of their charitable work.
