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 after being mistakenly freed from prison. Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu was apprehended following a two-day search operation subsequent to being erroneously discharged from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention facility.
Lammy informed members of parliament that Kebatu would be promptly deported back to Ethiopia. Nevertheless, he expressed his indignation on behalf of the victims and the public, emphasizing that the blunder was unacceptable and should have been prevented. He underscored the need for accountability for the release error.
Attributing the release to “human error,” Lammy emphasized the imperative of delving into the circumstances and implementing immediate measures to avert similar erroneous releases that jeopardize public safety. Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been tasked with investigating the mistaken release, including engaging with Kebatu’s victims to comprehend the impact on them.
Enhanced scrutiny will be enforced on all prisoner releases following a rapid review of procedures by the head of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Stringent oversight will be exercised to ensure proper protocols are adhered to, including a comprehensive checklist for governors to confirm adherence to all required steps before any release occurs.
Foreign nationals slated for deportation will now only be released in the presence of a duty governor, with removals from HMP Chelmsford temporarily halted. Lammy disclosed an increase in mistaken releases over recent years, highlighting a surge from an average of nine per month in 2023 to 17 per month in the first half of 2024.
During a heated exchange with Conservative opponent Robert Jenrick, Lammy criticized the prior government for neglecting the justice system, attributing errors like the release to drastic funding cuts and staffing reductions. Jenrick condemned the weekend’s events as a debacle, asserting accountability for the consequences of current policies.
Concerns have been raised about the visa restrictions impacting prisons struggling with staff recruitment. HMP Feltham’s governor, Paul Crossey, expressed apprehension over changes affecting foreign national officers’ visas, potentially leading to deportations and staff shortages. Justice Minister Jake Richards confirmed ongoing discussions with the Home Office to address this issue.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to reducing net migration while ensuring that existing skilled worker visa holders among prison staff can extend their visas. Efforts are underway to support prison staffing, including initiatives to recruit officers already settled in the UK.