Family of murdered toddler plea for law change

Maya was two when she died

The family of a murdered toddler say they want a new law created in her name to protect other children.

Maya Chappell, who lived in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, suffered severe brain damage when she was violently shaken by her mother's boyfriend, Michael Daymond.

Maya's great aunt, Gemma Chappell, said the toddler, who died in hospital, would "still be alive today" if laws disclosing a parent or a caregiver's history were in place.

The government said it was working on legislation to "stop vulnerable children falling through the cracks".

Ms Chappell said, as a serving police officer, she understood the importance of professionals speaking up.

"We want statutory services, including teachers, to disclose relevant history to parents and guardians if a risk is identified because at the moment it is not mandatory," she said.

Maya's great aunt, Gemma Chappell, is calling for new legislation

The family is calling for legislation similar to Sarah's Law and Clare's Law.

Sarah's Law allows a parent, guardian, or other concerned person to ask police for information about someone who has contact with a child to determine if they pose a risk to children.

Clare's Law gives people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse.

Maya's Law would introduce a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme, which would involve sharing relevant history to a parent or guardian, improved multi-agency communication and early intervention.

A petition for Maya's Law has received more than 5,000 signatures.

Maya was taken to hospital but died two days later

Ms Chappell's MP, Labour's Liz Twist, said she was working with the family on the campaign and had secured a debate in Parliament in October to discuss the issue.

"We are looking for a change in the law so it's enforceable," the MP for Blaydon and Consett said.

"All of us want to do the best for children but we need to find practical ways of doing that so that they can be protected. We have seen Sarah's Law [introduced] and we need to make sure children are offered the same protection."

Michael Daymond was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years for the two-year-old's murder.

Her mother, Dana Carr, was convicted at Teesside Crown Court in November 2023 of child cruelty. She was jailed for nine years.

A Department for Education spokesperson said the government had plans to recruit "thousands more dedicated family help workers to wrap support around families" to tackle issues such as addiction and domestic abuse, and improve information sharing between education, health and social workers "to stop vulnerable children falling through the cracks".

A vigil will be held in Maya's memory later at Consett AFC.