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Asylum Seeker Released from Prison by Mistake Still on the Loose in London

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A manhunt is underway to find Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old asylum seeker who was incorrectly released from prison last week. Kebatu had been serving a 12-month sentence for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl but was mistakenly let out of HMP Chelmsford instead of being taken to an immigration detention centre. Justice Secretary David Lammy has described the situation as "totally unacceptable" and has launched an investigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national, was released from HMP Chelmsford by mistake, allowing him to board a train at Chelmsford and travel to Stratford in east London.
  • The Metropolitan Police are leading the manhunt, with Commander James Conway stating that finding Kebatu is a "top priority" and that the investigation is being led by an "experienced investigating officer".
  • Kebatu was convicted of five offenses, including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, and had requested to be deported.
  • There were considerable pressures at HMP Chelmsford due to national capacity issues, staff shortfalls, and a high remand and unsentenced population.
  • A total of 262 prisoners were released in error in England and Wales in the 12 months to March this year, a 128% increase from the previous year.
  • The Prison Service has launched an investigation into the incident and a prison officer has been removed from duties while the investigation takes place.
  • Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, has called for a public inquiry into the incident, describing it as "staggering incompetence".
  • Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party, has stated that the incident highlights that "Britain is broken".
  • The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of vulnerable individuals, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Statistics:

  • 262 prisoners were released in error in England and Wales in the 12 months to March this year, a 128% increase from 115 in the previous year.
  • 233 of these releases occurred from prison establishments, while 29 occurred at courts.
  • HMP Chelmsford had a remand and unsentenced population of almost 70% and was managing more admissions, transfers, and immediate releases without additional resource due to national capacity issues.
  • Kebatu had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, and had a discharge grant of £76.
  • The 14-year-old victim in Kebatu's case had reported him to police after he tried to kiss her and put his hand on her thigh.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph
  • PA news agency
  • Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
  • HM Inspectorate of Prisons
  • Chelmsford's Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman
  • Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers' Union (CJWU)
  • Mike Rolfe, general secretary of the CJWU
  • Essex Police
  • Metropolitan Police
  • HMP Chelmsford

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