David Lammy says two more prisoners have been mistakenly released
Two more offenders mistakenly freed from prison
- Justice Secretary David Lammy has confirmed two more violent or sex offenders were erroneously released from prison in the last three weeks and remain at large.
- These latest incidents follow a series of high-profile accidental releases, including Epping sex offender Hadush Kebatu and two individuals from HMP Wandsworth, who have since been recaptured.
- Ministry of Justice figures reveal that 91 prisoners were mistakenly freed between 1 April and 31 October this year, averaging approximately three per week, including 12 in the last three weeks.
- Downing Street described the figures as "shocking" and symptomatic of a system inherited from the previous government, while Lammy acknowledged a "mountain to climb" to address the crisis.
- The Prison Officers’ Association attributes these errors to "clerical errors" and immense pressure on staff due to underfunding, understaffing, and various early release schemes.