David Lammy: Human Error Led to Migrant Sex Offender's Release in UK Prisons

Accidental Release of Migrant Sex Offender

• 🎯 David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, announced an independent investigation into the mistaken release of migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu from Chelmsford prison.
• ⚠️ Lammy stated the release appears to be due to human error and expressed his anger, emphasizing that victims and the public expect better.
• ⚡ Kebatu, who was recaptured, is to be deported to Ethiopia as swiftly as possible.

Increased Prison Checks and New Procedures

• 📌 New procedures are being implemented across prisons in England and Wales, requiring extra checks starting Monday.
• 🔑 Duty governors will now be responsible for these new checks, including filling out more paperwork the night before a prisoner's release.
• 🤝 Foreign national offenders released under the early removal scheme will now only be discharged when a duty governor is physically present.

Concerns Over Bureaucracy and Effectiveness

• 📈 Official figures reveal a significant increase in accidental prisoner releases, with 262 prisoners released in error over the last year.
• 🧐 A former governor suggested the new measures might just increase bureaucracy and make the duty governor's job more difficult without necessarily improving expertise in sentence calculation.
• 📰 Ministers are reportedly keen to demonstrate control following embarrassing headlines, but the effectiveness of these new checks remains uncertain.