A union leader criticized the suspension of a prison staff member following the accidental release of a migrant sex offender from HMP Chelmsford. Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was mistakenly set free on Friday instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center. Despite being re-arrested in London on Sunday, Kebatu is now scheduled for deportation after serving time for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Justice Secretary David Lammy has initiated an independent investigation into the incident.
Mark Fairhurst, the national chairman of the prison officers’ union, expressed the dismay of his members over the error, emphasizing the need to support the suspended staff member. Fairhurst highlighted the series of oversights that led to Kebatu’s release, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for such mistakes.
In response to the situation, Lammy assured MPs that Kebatu would soon be deported, acknowledging the justified outrage of his victims and the public. Lammy emphasized the gravity of the error and stressed the necessity for immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Dame Lynn Owens, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has been appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release. Enhanced measures and oversight are being implemented to prevent further mistaken releases, including more stringent checks on prisoner releases and the presence of a duty governor for deportations of foreign nationals. Additionally, all removals from HMP Chelmsford have been halted this week as part of the corrective actions being taken. Lammy also highlighted the increasing trend of mistaken releases, underscoring the need for robust safeguards to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the justice system.
