Justice Secretary David Lammy has intervened to block the transfer of a killer to an open prison after it emerged he had released drill music with lyrics referencing the murder, under a pseudonym.
Jake Fahri was sentenced to life in 2009 for killing 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen by throwing an oven dish at him that shattered and severed the arteries in his neck.
He was released on licence in 2023 but was later recalled after the Sun published a story that alleged Fahri was making music, including about the murder, as balaclava-clad artist TEN.
Two years on, the Parole Board has said he should now be moved to an open prison – but a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said Lammy’s intervention was for “public protection”.
In its decision summary, the board had said Farhi 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.
It added that Farhi “needed to reflect” on “why he failed to be open and honest with the professionals managing his case” but this “could be achieved” in an open prison.
Lammy’s reversal has been welcomed by Mizen’s mother Margaret, who told the Sun she was “shocked” by 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.
But the reversal shows Farhi 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.”
Farhi had been given a minimum 14 year prison term – but, as with all minimum terms, that is the point at which release can be considered, usually with conditions attached about the criminal’s behaviour outside prison.
Music by TEN was showcased on 1Xtra. who were unaware of his real identity at the time of broadcast.