An asylum offender released by mistake from prison has sparked outrage and immediate scrutiny in the Commons. The migrant, Hadush Kebatu, had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.
Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, served a 12-month sentence at HMP Chelmsford. Prison officials mistakenly freed him on Friday instead of transferring him to an immigration detention centre. He then travelled to London, where police arrested him in Finsbury Park on Sunday morning.
The victim’s father welcomed the rearrest but demanded immediate deportation. He said his family felt “massively let down and infuriated” by the failure of the justice system and the Labour government.
Deputy Prime Minister and justice secretary David Lammy will address Parliament today to announce an independent inquiry. He will explain the inquiry’s scope, including interviews with witnesses connected to Kebatu’s prison stay.
Opposition politicians criticised the release strongly. Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman called for a “rapid” national inquiry, warning that public safety had suffered. She added that the prison service had multiple chances to prevent the error but failed.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp expressed shock, describing the release as a sign of “inept governance” by the current administration. Zia Yusuf from Reform UK called the blunder “absolutely shocking” and questioned how victims could trust the government.
Authorities suspended a prison officer while investigators review the case. Kebatu left prison with personal money but without a discharge grant for basic subsistence.
Kebatu crossed the Channel in a small boat on 29 June. He committed his offences just eight days later, making inappropriate comments and attempting to kiss the 14-year-old, resulting in five convictions. During sentencing, he reportedly requested deportation.
The case triggered protests and counter-protests across the country, with locals expressing concern about hotels housing asylum seekers. Demonstrators demanded greater accountability from authorities.
David Lammy stressed that the inquiry will identify errors and recommend solutions to prevent similar incidents. He promised that authorities would act swiftly to restore public confidence.
The asylum offender released case highlights ongoing concerns over prison and immigration systems, increasing pressure on the government to ensure public safety.
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