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.
Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, who had been mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center, was apprehended after a two-day search.
Lammy assured Members of Parliament that Kebatu would soon be deported to Ethiopia. However, he acknowledged the rightful indignation of Kebatu’s victims and the public over the mishap.
Describing the incident as a grave error resulting from “human error,” Lammy emphasized the necessity of holding individuals accountable for such blunders.
Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release, including engaging with the victims to comprehend the impact.
Following a comprehensive review of procedures by the head of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), enhanced checks will be implemented for all prisoner releases, with heightened senior oversight to ensure adherence to protocols.
Notably, foreign nationals slated for deportation will now only be released in the presence of a duty governor, and removals from HMP Chelmsford have been temporarily halted.
Lammy informed MPs that mistaken releases have been on the rise since 2021, with the incidence increasing from an average of nine per month in 2023 to 17 per month between January and June 2024.
Amid heated exchanges with his Conservative counterpart Robert Jenrick, Lammy criticized the previous government’s funding cuts and staffing reductions in the justice system, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent such errors.
The impact of a visa crackdown on prisons struggling to recruit personnel has raised concerns, with prison officials highlighting challenges in retaining foreign national officers due to visa restrictions.
Justice Minister Jake Richards affirmed ongoing discussions with the Home Office to address the visa-related issues affecting prison staffing.
The government reiterated its commitment to reducing net migration while exploring solutions to bolster prison staffing, including initiatives to attract officers already settled in the UK.