Justice Secretary David Lammy has initiated an independent investigation into the erroneous release of a failed asylum seeker who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.
Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was apprehended on Sunday after a two-day search when he was mistakenly set free from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center.
Speaking to members of Parliament, Lammy assured that Kebatu would be promptly deported to Ethiopia. Nonetheless, he expressed deep concern on behalf of the victims and the public, emphasizing that the incident was a grave error that should not have occurred.
Attributing the release to “human error,” Lammy stressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for such mistakes. He reiterated the necessity of a thorough investigation to prevent similar errors and ensure public safety.
Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been assigned to probe the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release, with a focus on understanding the impact on the victims.
Enhanced protocols for prisoner releases are being implemented following a review by the head of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). These measures include increased oversight, detailed checklists for governors, and mandatory presence of a duty governor for releases of foreign nationals facing deportation.
Lammy highlighted a concerning trend of mistaken releases, citing a rise from an average of nine per month in 2023 to 17 per month in the first half of 2024. He also criticized the previous government’s handling of the justice system, attributing errors to budget cuts and inadequate support for prisons.
The discussion turned heated as Lammy and his Conservative counterpart, Robert Jenrick, clashed over accountability for the justice system’s shortcomings. Lammy criticized the Tories for neglecting the system, while Jenrick condemned the mishaps as an “absolute farce.”
Amidst these challenges, concerns have been raised about the impact of visa restrictions on prison staffing. Paul Crossey, governor of HMP Feltham, expressed worries about retaining foreign national officers due to recent visa changes, which could disrupt staffing levels.
Justice Minister Jake Richards confirmed ongoing discussions with the Home Office to address the visa-related staffing issues. The government emphasized the importance of reducing net migration while exploring solutions to support prison staffing, including recruiting officers already residing in the UK.
