Justice Secretary David Lammy has initiated an independent investigation into the erroneous release of a failed asylum seeker who assaulted a 14-year-old girl. Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu was apprehended after a two-day search following his mistaken release from HMP Chelmsford, instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center.
Lammy informed parliament that Kebatu would soon be deported to Ethiopia but expressed deep concern for the victims and the public about the incident. He emphasized that the error leading to Kebatu’s release was unacceptable and called for accountability.
Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been tasked with probing the circumstances of the mistaken release. Enhanced protocols for prisoner releases have been implemented, including increased oversight, detailed checklists for governors, and the requirement for a duty governor to be present during the release of foreign nationals.
The number of mistaken releases has been on the rise since 2021, with an increase from nine per month in 2023 to 17 per month in the first half of 2024, as reported by the Justice Secretary. The contentious issue sparked a heated exchange between Lammy and his Conservative counterpart Robert Jenrick, with blame being placed on the previous government’s handling of the justice system.
Amidst these challenges, concerns have been raised about the impact of visa restrictions on prison staffing. Governor Paul Crossey of HMP Feltham expressed worries about changes affecting foreign national prison officers. Justice Minister Jake Richards stated that discussions are ongoing with the Home Office to address this issue.
In response to the visa concerns, a Government spokesperson emphasized the need to reduce net migration while assuring that existing prison officers on Skilled Worker visas can continue working and apply for visa extensions. Efforts are being made to recruit officers already settled in the UK to support prison staffing requirements.