The Deputy Prime Minister has announced an immediate investigation into the “farcical” Hadush Kebatu release.
Speaking to MPs in the House of Commons, David Lammy added that the early release scheme for prisoners up and down the nation is due to face a radical overhaul of release rules.
Addressing MPs three days after the Ethiopian sex attacker was freed from HMP Chelmsford, he said that it “appears to have been human error” that led to the accidental release.
He further confirmed that His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service are investigating the matter, adding that victims will be spoken to as part of the probe.
Former Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Dame Lynne Owens is due to chair an independent inquiry into the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu, David Lammy told the Commons.
He added that “any foreign national offender being removed through the Early Removal scheme can now only be discharged when the duty governor is physically present and there will be no errors”.
The Early Removal scheme was originally meant to remove Hadush Kebatu from the UK.
In the Commons, Mr Lammy continued: “On Friday October 24, Mr Kabatu was scheduled to be transferred from HMP Chelmsford to an immigration removal centre from which he was to be deported.
“Due to what appears to have been human error, he was instead released into the community at 10.25am.
“Shortly after 12pm, concerns were raised about the release to the duty governor and, following checks, staff were dispatched to locate him.
“When it became clear that he was no longer in the vicinity of the prison, Essex Police were notified and a manhunt began.
“His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service instigated an immediate investigation, and I’ve asked the initial findings to be with me this week.”
MORE TO FOLLOW…
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Our Standards:
The GB News Editorial Charter
Follow