David Lammy is expected to face questioning in Parliament after an asylum seeker, who had been convicted of a sexual offense, was erroneously released from prison instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center.
Hadush Kebatu, a citizen of Ethiopia, was handed a 12-month sentence in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and was mistakenly discharged from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning.
Having committed the assault while residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, Kebatu traveled from Chelmsford to London and was apprehended on Sunday morning in Finsbury Park.
The father of Kebatu’s teenage victim expressed his desire for the immediate deportation of the sex offender, a sentiment that was endorsed by the Justice Secretary who indicated that deportation proceedings would take place in the upcoming week.
David Lammy affirmed to the media on Sunday afternoon that Kebatu must undergo police interrogation before deportation, assuring that deportation proceedings were previously anticipated and are expected to occur within the week.
He further disclosed plans for an independent investigation into the incident, which he will present in Parliament on Monday, emphasizing that Kebatu should have been in line for deportation and not released into the community.
Criticism from opposition politicians followed the blunder. Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman of Chelmsford demanded a swift national inquiry into the mistake that led to Kebatu’s release, emphasizing the need for accountability and system improvements.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp expressed his astonishment, criticizing the previous government for the release. Similarly, a Tory MP highlighted the need for accountability from David Lammy and Shabana Mahmood for overseeing the system.
Zia Yusuf of Reform UK condemned the situation, questioning the confidence victims of sexual assault could have in the government and the state apparatus.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the error and ensure prevention of similar incidents in the future.
A prison officer has been suspended pending investigation. Kebatu, who arrived in the UK in June by crossing the Channel in a small boat, left prison without a discharge grant for living expenses.
Kebatu’s criminal acts incited protests in Epping, leading to demonstrations outside asylum seeker accommodations across the country.
