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. Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, who had been mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center, was apprehended after a two-day search.

Lammy assured Members of Parliament that Kebatu would soon be deported to Ethiopia, acknowledging the distress of the victims and the public over the blunder. He condemned the release as a grave mistake that should not have occurred, emphasizing the need for accountability. Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been appointed to probe the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release and assess its impact on the victims.

In response to the incident, enhanced measures have been implemented to prevent similar errors in prisoner releases. These include heightened scrutiny during the release process, with a requirement for a duty governor’s presence for the release of foreign nationals. Additionally, the removal of foreign nationals from HMP Chelmsford has been temporarily halted.

Lammy highlighted an increase in mistaken releases since 2021, with the number rising from an average of nine per month in 2023 to 17 per month in the first half of 2024. He criticized the previous government for budget cuts and reduced staffing levels in the justice system, contributing to systemic failures.

The issue of visa changes affecting prison staffing was also raised, with concerns about foreign national prison officers facing deportation due to visa restrictions. Governor Paul Crossey of HMP Feltham expressed worries about retaining staff following visa policy adjustments in July, which could disrupt staffing levels in prisons. Justice Minister Jake Richards confirmed ongoing discussions with the Home Office to address the situation.

The government emphasized the importance of reducing net migration while assuring that existing prison officers on Skilled Worker visas would be able to continue working and apply for visa extensions when necessary. Efforts are being made to recruit officers already settled in the UK to support prison staffing needs.