Government Faces Scrutiny Over Release of Sex Offender

The UK government is set to face significant scrutiny following the erroneous release of a convicted sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, from prison. The incident has prompted an urgent address from David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, scheduled for 15:30 today. Kebatu, who is an Ethiopian national, was sentenced to a year in prison in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning instead of being transferred to an immigration detention centre.

Kebatu, who had been residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, at the time of the assault, made his way to London after his release. He was arrested on Sunday morning in Finsbury Park after authorities were alerted to his situation. The father of Kebatu’s victim has expressed a strong desire for the offender to be “deported immediately,” a sentiment echoed by Justice Secretary who indicated that this could take place within the week.

During a press briefing on Sunday, Lammy assured journalists that Kebatu would undergo police questioning before his deportation. He emphasized, “I can assure you that he will be deported as he was expected to be deported. I expect that to happen this week.” Lammy also announced plans to initiate an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release when Parliament convenes on Monday, stating, “This man should have been basically in line to be deported and should not have been released into the community; that should not have happened.”

The blunder has attracted intense criticism from opposition politicians. Following Kebatu’s arrest, Marie Goldman, the Liberal Democrat MP for Chelmsford, called for a “rapid” national inquiry into the oversight that led to his release. She asserted, “It’s unacceptable that the safety of my constituents, and the people of London, was ever put at risk. The prison service had several opportunities to rectify it and failed.” Goldman added, “The Government has serious questions to answer and significant work to do to make the system fit for purpose.”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed his astonishment at the situation, stating, “I remain shocked that this inept Labour Government let him out in the first place.” He criticized the government for allowing Kebatu’s release, saying both Lammy and Shabana Mahmood must be held accountable for their roles in the oversight.

Zia Yusuf, head of policy for Reform UK, described the situation as “absolutely shocking,” questioning how victims of sexual assault could maintain confidence in the current government and the state apparatus. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has confirmed that an investigation has been ordered to ascertain the failures that led to this lapse, adding, “We must make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

As the inquiry begins, a prison officer involved in Kebatu’s release has been suspended to facilitate a thorough investigation. The government faces a pivotal moment to restore public trust in its handling of sensitive cases involving violent offenders.

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