The UK government has successfully deported a convicted child sex offender, Mr. Kebatu, ensuring public safety. This action follows serious concerns around a previous mistaken release.
Details of the Deportation
The Home Office announced that Mr. Kebatu has been removed from the UK without the option to return. Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed, “I have pulled every lever to deport Mr. Kebatu.” This deportation signifies a crucial step toward enhancing safety on British streets.
Incident Overview
Mr. Kebatu was scheduled to transfer from HMP Chelmsford to an immigration detention facility on Friday. He was part of the Early Removals Scheme (ERS) aimed at foreign national offenders. However, he was mistakenly released due to what officials termed a “human error.”
Timeline of Events
- Friday: Mr. Kebatu was due to be detained for deportation.
- Shortly before 13:00 BST: Essex Police learned of his release.
- Sunday morning: He was arrested in north London near Finsbury Park station after being spotted by a member of the public.
Investigation Underway
In response to this incident, an independent investigation is now underway. This inquiry is designed to analyze how Mr. Kebatu was released and to evaluate the training and resources available to staff involved.
Key Inquiry Points
- Assessment of staff training and experience.
- Evaluation of technology used for tracking inmates.
- Interviews with Kebatu’s victims for their perspectives.
Government Actions and Future Measures
Following this event, Lammy has mandated an urgent review of the procedures in place for inmate releases. As a precaution, one prison officer has been suspended. Additionally, no removals from HMP Chelmsford under the ERS will occur this week while the review is conducted.
This situation highlights the need for enhanced oversight in the management of foreign national offenders in the UK. Authorities are committed to preventing similar incidents in the future, particularly as the number of mistaken releases has reportedly increased since 2021.
