Downing Street has acknowledged the alarming revelation that over 90 inmates have been mistakenly released since April this year, with concerns about another new offender potentially on the run.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy disclosed that three prisoners are currently missing following erroneous releases, and authorities are looking into a possible additional case of a mistaken release on November 3. These incidents were highlighted as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) published data indicating 91 criminals were released in error between April 1 and October 31 this year.
A No 10 spokesperson emphasized the challenges inherited by the Government in a strained prison and criminal justice system, leading to the regrettable errors. While uncommon, the instances of mistaken releases have been escalating annually, from an average of nine per month in 2023 to 17 per month the following year. Immediate measures have been implemented to address the crisis, including enhanced release checks and interventions involving prison governors and technology experts.
Mr. Lammy has announced a £10 million initiative to introduce AI-powered tools for frontline staff to accurately calculate sentences and upgrade outdated paper-based systems. Additionally, an urgent independent review has been commissioned to investigate the surge in errors, given that prison staff are currently navigating through extensive guidance documents, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
The spotlight on mistaken prisoner releases intensified after the well-known case of Hadush Kebatu, a deported migrant, which sparked protests in Epping, Essex. In a Commons statement, Mr. Lammy underscored the need for a comprehensive reform of the prison release service and extended a sincere apology to victims affected by the erroneous releases.
Acknowledging the systemic challenges of an underfunded and understaffed prison system under immense strain, Mr. Lammy stressed the imperative to reduce such errors. Official statistics indicate that around 800 prisoners were mistakenly released under the previous government, with numbers steadily rising each year, peaking at 115 in 2023/24. Under the current Labour government, the figure increased to 262 in 2024/25, partly attributed to the early release scheme implemented to address inherited justice system issues.
Furthermore, Mr. Lammy defended the proposed release of women offenders into the community, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches, especially considering the circumstances of female offenders who are often mothers.
