SHOTTON COLLIERY, COUNTY DURHAM – The sentencing of Michael Daymond, who killed two-year-old Maya Chappell, is under review amid concerns that it may be too lenient. Daymond, who was in debt with drug dealers at the time, shook the toddler to death after learning that his benefits had been stopped in September 2022. As a result, Maya suffered severe, unsurvivable brain trauma and died two days after being found critically injured. Daymond was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years, a decision that is being challenged under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.
Maya’s mother, Dana Carr, was also handed a nine-year prison sentence after ignoring her daughter’s suffering leading up to the killing, which has also been referred to the Attorney General’s Office under the ULS. Carr, who was convicted of allowing the death of a child and child cruelty by neglect, had reportedly turned a blind eye to Daymond’s assaults on the defenseless toddler, leaving Maya in his care while she went to work on the day the child was fatally injured.
The case has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the adequacy of the sentences. They are now being reviewed and could potentially be extended as a result. This tragic story serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and neglect, and the importance of ensuring that justice is served in such cases. More updates on the case will be provided as the story develops.