The murderer of Jimmy Mizen, a 16-year-old killed in 2008, has been recalled to prison after reportedly boasting about the crime in drill music lyrics. The Probation Service confirmed that Jake Fahri, now 35, was returned to custody on Thursday morning after breaching the conditions of his licence.
Fahri, who was 19 at the time of the murder, was sentenced to life in prison in 2009 for fatally injuring Jimmy by throwing a glass dish that shattered and severed an artery in his neck. The incident occurred at a bakery in Lee, south-east London, following a confrontation.
Fahri was released on licence in June 2023 after serving 14 years of his sentence. However, his return to prison follows allegations that he is the masked drill rapper TEN and has recorded songs containing apparent references to Jimmy’s murder.
Controversial Lyrics
In one song, TEN reportedly raps: “Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry’s. Sharpen up my blade I’ve got to keep those necessary. Stay alert and kept it ready, any corner could be deadly.”
Another track reportedly includes the lyrics: “See a man’s soul fly from his eyes and his breath gone… I wanted more, it made it less wrong. Seeing blood spilled same floor he was left on.”
Two of TEN’s tracks, not including the ones referencing violence, were previously played on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Introducing show. The BBC stated that they were unaware of Fahri’s background when the music aired and have no plans to feature his work again.
Family Outrage and Reaction
Jimmy’s parents, Margaret and Barry Mizen, expressed deep disappointment and frustration over the situation. Speaking to the BBC, Margaret called the lyrics “absolutely horrendous” and said she was left feeling “a little bit numb.” She demanded answers about how such content could be allowed.
Barry criticized the parole system, saying Fahri’s behaviour raises serious questions. “He did all the programmes [in prison], but it doesn’t seem to have made a blind bit of difference,” he said. “What’s the point?”
Margaret, who has worked extensively in youth and community support since her son’s death and was awarded an MBE, added that the incident was a stark reminder of the flaws in the rehabilitation and parole system.
Official Responses
The Probation Service stated: “Our thoughts are with Jimmy Mizen’s family, who deserve better than to see their son’s murderer shamelessly boasting about his violent crime.” They confirmed that Fahri had been recalled for breaching licence conditions, emphasizing that “all offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, responding to the case, described it as “horrendous” and extended her condolences to Jimmy’s family. She added that the BBC and other organisations involved “will want to reflect” on their roles in airing Fahri’s music.
A BBC spokesperson clarified that the lyrics printed in reports had not been broadcast on their platforms and that Fahri’s music would no longer be played.
Broader Implications
The case has reignited debates around the influence of drill music and the responsibilities of platforms that air content linked to controversial or criminal figures. The Mizen family, meanwhile, continues to advocate for justice and systemic change, ensuring that no other family endures similar pain.
Jimmy’s murder in 2008 shocked the nation, and the ongoing consequences highlight the lasting impact of such tragedies on victims’ families and communities.
