Accidental Release of Convicted Sex Offender Sparks Calls for National Enquiry

Strategic Insights -

Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman has demanded a "rapid, national enquiry" into the mistaken release of an asylum seeker from HMP Chelmsford, who was jailed for 12 months just one month prior for sexually assaulting a minor. Hadush Kebatu, an asylum seeker, was accidentally released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning, prompting a major police manhunt involving Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and British Transport Police. Following his arrest in London, Goldman called for an immediate national enquiry to investigate the "serious mistakes" that led to Kebatu's release, putting the safety of her constituents and Londoners at risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Kebatu, an asylum seeker, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning, despite being jailed for 12 months just one month prior for sexually assaulting a minor.
  • A major police manhunt involving Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and British Transport Police was launched to apprehend Kebatu, who was eventually arrested in London.
  • Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman has demanded a "rapid, national enquiry" into the accidental release, citing the need to investigate the "serious mistakes" that led to Kebatu's release.
  • Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Prime Minister Kier Starmer have also ordered an investigation into the incident, with Lammy promising to strengthen release checks and Starmer vowing to ensure the incident doesn't happen again.
  • Kebatu has been arrested and will be deported, with an investigation underway to determine the cause of the mistaken release.

Statistics:

  • 12 months: The length of Kebatu's prison sentence for sexually assaulting a minor.
  • 1 month: The time period between Kebatu's jail sentence and his accidental release.
  • 2 days: The approximate time it took for the police to locate and apprehend Kebatu after his release.
  • 3: The number of police forces involved in the manhunt for Kebatu (Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and British Transport Police).

Sources:

  • [Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman's statement]
  • [Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy's statement]
  • [Prime Minister Kier Starmer's statement]