Justice Secretary David Lammy has initiated an independent investigation into the release of a failed asylum seeker who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl after being mistakenly freed from prison. The individual in question, Hadush Kebatu from Ethiopia, was apprehended after a two-day search following his erroneous release from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention facility.
Lammy informed members of parliament that Kebatu would soon be deported to Ethiopia. However, he expressed deep concern on behalf of the victims and the public, emphasizing that the error was unacceptable and that accountability must be established for the oversight.
Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been tasked by Lammy to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release. Enhanced protocols will now be in place for all prisoner releases to prevent similar errors, with heightened senior oversight and stringent checks to be verified by governors the night 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. Lammy highlighted an increase in mistaken releases since 2021, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the systemic failures.
The discussion in parliament turned heated as Lammy and his Conservative counterpart Robert Jenrick clashed over the state of the justice system. Lammy criticized previous government cuts and policies that have strained the system, while Jenrick labeled the recent events as a farce and criticized Lammy for deflecting blame.
Amidst these developments, concerns have been raised about the impact of visa restrictions on prisons struggling to retain staff. Governor Paul Crossey of HMP Feltham highlighted the challenges faced by foreign national officers due to recent visa changes, potentially affecting staffing levels. The Justice Minister, Jake Richards, confirmed ongoing discussions with the Home Office to address these concerns.
The government, while emphasizing the need to reduce net migration, assured that current Skilled Worker visa holders among prison officers will be allowed to remain and extend their visas as needed. Efforts are underway to recruit officers already settled in the UK to bolster staffing levels in prisons.