David Lammy is slated to undergo intense questioning in Parliament following an incident where an asylum seeker, who had a criminal record for sexual offenses, was mistakenly 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. Due to an error, he was erroneously released from HMP Chelmsford on a Friday morning.
Residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, at the time of the assault, Kebatu traveled from Chelmsford to London before being detained in Finsbury Park on Sunday morning.
The victim’s father expressed his desire for the immediate deportation of the sex offender, a sentiment echoed by the Justice Secretary, who indicated that deportation proceedings would take place in the upcoming week.
David Lammy emphasized the need for Kebatu to be questioned by the police before deportation, ensuring that the deportation process would proceed as planned within the week. Additionally, Lammy announced an independent inquiry into the incident, denouncing the release of the individual into the community as a significant error that should not have occurred.
Criticism from opposition politicians ensued, with demands for a swift national inquiry into the error that allowed Kebatu’s release. Concerns were raised about the safety of constituents and the public due to the blunder.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed his astonishment at the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability. The Prime Minister initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the error, emphasizing the importance of preventing such incidents in the future.
Kebatu’s criminal actions led to protests in Epping, sparking demonstrations nationwide. The incident has raised serious concerns about the handling of such cases and the need for improved systems to prevent similar errors in the future.