Family Campaigns for New Law After Toddler's Tragic Death
A heartbroken family is leading a campaign for a new law to protect children from abuse, following the murder of two-year-old Maya Chappell. The toddler was shaken to death by her mother's boyfriend, Michael Daymond, in a case that has sparked calls for legal reform.
Details of the Fatal Attack
Michael Daymond attacked Maya Chappell with such extreme force that the damage to her eyes was comparable to injuries sustained in car accidents, as previously stated in court. The incident occurred on September 28, 2022, when Maya's mother, Dana Carr, left her in Daymond's sole care. Daymond, who had been in a relationship with Carr for just nine weeks, learned his Universal Credit had been stopped before violently shaking the toddler. Maya collapsed and died in hospital two days later, never regaining consciousness from what was described as a constellation of injuries.
Family's Call for Maya's Law
Maya's great aunt, Gemma Chappell, a serving police officer, is spearheading the push for Maya's Law. This proposed legislation aims to share information with parents or guardians when a child is at risk due to a caregiver's known history of abuse. Gemma explained that existing laws, such as Clare's Law and Sarah's Law, have gaps that failed to protect Maya. Despite concerns raised by Maya's father, James Chappell, to Durham Constabulary, no action was taken because Carr denied Daymond was living with them.
Gemma stressed the urgency of the petition, which has over 74,000 signatures but needs to reach 100,000 within eight days to be considered for parliamentary debate. She said, If someone's got a concern about a child, then this law is for them. The family has also launched a GoFundMe to support the campaign and assist other families in similar situations.
Background and Legal Outcomes
Maya's parents, Dana Carr and James Chappell, had split before Carr met Daymond in a pub and began a whirlwind romance. Carr quickly moved in with Daymond in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, and removed Maya from her father's care and nursery. Family members noticed bruises on Maya, but Carr dismissed them. In court, it was revealed that Carr had closed her eyes to the abuse, being obsessed with Daymond.
Michael Daymond was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years. Dana Carr was convicted of child cruelty and jailed for nine years. Gemma highlighted that Maya's Law would provide a clear pathway for reporting concerns, potentially preventing such tragedies in the future.
Public Appeal and Family's Resolve
The family is urging the public to sign the petition to give children a voice. Gemma added, Sign the petition because children need a voice and that's the big thing. James Chappell, who still struggles with his daughter's death nearly four years on, fully supports the campaign. The family vows to never let Maya's name be in vain, continuing their fight for legal change to safeguard vulnerable children.
