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.
Mr. Lammy assured Members of Parliament that Kebatu would be promptly deported to Ethiopia. However, he expressed deep concern for the victims of Kebatu’s actions, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved procedures to prevent similar errors in the future.
Attributing the release to “human error,” Mr. Lammy emphasized the necessity of addressing the situation and implementing immediate measures to avoid such oversights that could endanger the public.
Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release, with a focus on understanding the impact on the victims. Enhanced checks will now be enforced for all prisoner releases following a review of processes by the head of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
To ensure proper oversight, more senior staff will be involved in verifying procedures, and a detailed checklist will be employed by governors to confirm compliance before any release. Additionally, foreign nationals facing deportation will only be released in the presence of a duty governor, and removals from HMP Chelmsford have been halted temporarily.
Mr. Lammy disclosed an increase in mistaken releases since 2021, with monthly incidents rising from nine in 2023 to 17 in the first half of 2024. He also criticized the previous government for budget cuts that have strained the justice system and contributed to operational challenges.
In response, the Shadow Justice Secretary, Robert Jenrick, criticized the situation as chaotic and blamed the current administration for failing to rectify the issues. The ongoing visa restrictions affecting prison staffing were also highlighted, with concerns raised about the potential impact on recruitment and retention of foreign national officers.
Justice Minister Jake Richards confirmed ongoing discussions with the Home Office to address the visa-related challenges faced by prison officers. The government emphasized the importance of reducing net migration while exploring solutions to support the recruitment and retention of prison staff already residing in the UK.