David Lammy expressed strong dismay and shock following the accidental release of another foreign convict from prison. The Deputy Prime Minister criticized the criminal justice system, labeling it as flawed. An urgent manhunt is ongoing for a 24-year-old Algerian man who was mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth on October 29, with the Metropolitan Police notified about the incident on Tuesday.
This incident was brought to light after Mr. Lammy declined to disclose to Members of Parliament if any asylum seekers had been mistakenly released following the Hadush Kebatu controversy. The missing individual is confirmed not to be an asylum seeker. Mr. Lammy condemned the release, emphasizing the need for accountability and swift action. He has initiated stringent measures to prevent such errors and has commissioned an independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens to identify the causes of accidental releases and enhance public safety.
During a heated exchange at PMQs, Mr. Lammy faced pressure to address any further accidental releases of asylum seekers post the Kebatu incident. Kebatu, an Ethiopian national convicted of sexually assaulting a minor, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford and has since been returned to his home country. Mr. Lammy is urged to return to Parliament to provide updates on the recent incident involving the Algerian national.
The Met Police confirmed being informed about the Algerian man’s erroneous release and is actively pursuing his whereabouts to return him to custody. Jess Brown-Fuller, the Lib Dem justice spokeswoman, criticized the Ministry of Justice for the repeated blunders, demanding a comprehensive explanation and accountability from Mr. Lammy. The public awaits transparency on the circumstances surrounding the recent release and how it was only disclosed almost a week later.