Skip to content

Danielle Jones murder: Stuart Campbell refused prison release

Essex Police Danielle JonesEssex Police
The body of Danielle - who was last seen at a bus stop near her home in East Tilbury on 18 June 2001 - has never been found

A man who murdered his 15-year-old niece has been refused release from prison by the Parole Board.

Danielle Jones disappeared while on her way to catch a bus to school in East Tilbury, Essex, on 18 June 2001.

Stuart Campbell, was jailed for life in December 2002 for her kidnap and murder. At the time he was told he would serve at least 20 years.

Danielle's mother, Linda Jones, said in 2019, she did not want him released if he did not reveal where her body was.

Linda Jones
Linda Jones says finding her daughter's body would give the family closure

The Parole Board confirmed in November that Campbell's case had been referred to them, and it had now made its decision.

"We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Stuart Campbell following a paper review," a Parole Board spokesperson said.

The panel also refused to recommend a move to an open prison.

Essex Police Stuart CampbellEssex Police
Stuart Campbell, who was an uncle by marriage to Danielle, was jailed for life in 2002

"Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community," it added.

"A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

"Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority."

Mrs Jones said she backed Helen's Law, named after murder victim Helen McCourt, which aimed to prevent parole for killers who refuse to reveal the location of their victim's body.

In 2017, officers from Essex Police dug up garages near to where Danielle's uncle once lived, believing her body may have been buried there.

But despite a five-day search, no trace of her was found.

A force spokesperson said at the time: "Sadly we have been unable to end the pain Danielle's family have continued to experience and we are no closer to knowing where Danielle is."

presentational grey line

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]