David Lammy is expected to face tough questioning in Parliament following an incident where an asylum seeker, who had been convicted of a sex offense, was mistakenly released from prison instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center.
The individual in question, Hadush Kebatu, a national of Ethiopia, was handed a 12-month sentence in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. However, he was erroneously released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning.
Kebatu, who was residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, at the time of the assault, traveled from Chelmsford to London and was apprehended on Sunday morning in Finsbury Park.
The father of Kebatu’s teenage victim has expressed his desire for the swift deportation of the sex offender, a sentiment supported by the Justice Secretary, who indicated that deportation procedures should be initiated within the upcoming week.
In response to the situation, David Lammy emphasized the need for Kebatu to be questioned by the police before deportation, ensuring that the necessary measures will be taken promptly.
Furthermore, Lammy announced plans for an independent inquiry into the incident, which he intends to disclose in Parliament on Monday, underscoring that Kebatu should have been in line for deportation and not released into the community.
The blunder has faced significant criticism from opposition politicians, with calls for a national inquiry into the error that allowed Kebatu’s release. Various lawmakers have demanded accountability and improvements to prevent such incidents in the future.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed an investigation into the matter to identify the lapses and prevent their recurrence. An inquiry has been initiated, and a prison officer has been suspended pending further investigation into the circumstances.
Kebatu’s criminal acts sparked protests in Epping and beyond, leading to demonstrations at various locations housing asylum seekers across the country.
