Accidental Release of Prisoners Sparks Outrage and Calls for Reform
Hadush Kebatu, a migrant sex offender, was released from prison by accident and was later deported. Subsequently, two additional prisoners, including Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian sex offender, were also reported to have been released in error. Kaddour-Cherif arrived legally but overstayed his visa, meaning he was not an asylum seeker.
The government published figures in July showing that 262 prisoners were released in error in the year to March, marking a 128% increase from 115 in the previous 12 months. Responding to the incidents, Lammy announced the strongest release checks ever to be put in place to address accidental releases. Officials were reportedly working through the night to return Kaddour-Cherif to prison, and Lammy expressed outrage over the situation.
This incident occurred during Prime Minister’s Questions, with a debate led by James Cartlidge. Lammy initially avoided confirming details, which prompted criticism from Conservative MPs. Some members of parliament claimed Lammy may have misled the Commons over what he knew, leading to debate over his conduct during the exchange.
The article argues the justice system is repeatedly failing to properly determine who should be imprisoned. The causes span multiple parts of the system including the courts, prisons, Prison Service, Ministry of Justice, and Home Office. It notes that this is not a new issue, but one that is growing, with the government lacking sufficient grip on the problem.
