Killer who murdered his teenager niece from Essex refused parole

He'll stay behind bars for now

Linda and Tony Jones, the parents of missing schoolgirl Danielle Jones who hasn't been seen since 18/6/01, at a news conference in Grays, Essex.
Author: Benjamin Cooper, PA/Abi SimpsonPublished 24th Jan 2023

A killer Uncle who murdered his 15 year-old niece from Essex has been told he'll stay behind bars.

Danielle Jones was last seen on June 18th 2001 when she left home in East Tilbury to catch the school bus.

Her uncle, Stuart Campbell, was jailed for life in December 2002 for her kidnap and murder.

Stuart Campbell, 44, of Grays, Essex, who was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court of abducting and murdering his teenage niece

According to a national newspaper a Parole Board Spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has refused the release of Stuart Campbell following a paper review."

The panel also refused to recommend a move to open prison, the spokesperson said.

“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,” the spokesperson 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.”

Helen's Law

In 2019, Danielle’s mother, Linda Jones, said she did not want Campbell to be released from prison if he does not reveal where her body is.

She said she backs Helen’s Law, named after murdered Helen McCourt, which aims to prevent parole for killers who refuse to reveal the location of their victim’s body.

A spokeswoman for the Parole Board confirmed in November that Campbell’s case had been referred to them.

In 2017, officers from Essex Police dug up some garages near the home where Danielle’s killer once lived, believing her body may have been buried there.

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

The force said at the time: “Sadly we have been unable to end the pain they (Danielle’s family) have continued to experience and we are no closer to knowing where Danielle is.”

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