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. Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was apprehended after a two-day search following his improper 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 frustration on behalf of the victims and the public, emphasizing that the mistake leading to Kebatu’s release was inexcusable. He stressed the need for accountability and swift action to prevent similar errors that jeopardize public safety.
Attributing the release to “human error,” Lammy emphasized the necessity of understanding the circumstances and taking immediate measures to avoid similar incidents. Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been assigned to investigate the erroneous release and assess its impact on the victims.
In response to the incident, enhanced procedures will be implemented for all prisoner releases after a comprehensive review conducted by the head of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). These measures include increased senior oversight to ensure correct procedures, the presence of a duty governor for the release of foreign nationals being deported, and the temporary suspension of removals from HMP Chelmsford.
Lammy highlighted a surge in mistaken releases since 2021, with the average monthly incidents rising from nine in 2023 to 17 in the period from January to June 2024. He criticized the previous government for budget cuts that have severely impacted the justice system, leading to a reduction in funding by 24% and a 30% decrease in staffing between 2010 and 2015.
During a heated exchange, Lammy clashed with Robert Jenrick, his Conservative counterpart, over the state of the justice system. Jenrick criticized the handling of the situation, labeling it an “absolute farce” and attributing the consequences to the current government’s policies. In response, Lammy accused the Tories of neglecting the justice system and evading responsibility for the challenges it faces.
