David Lammy expressed strong condemnation and shock following the accidental release of another foreign criminal from prison. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted significant flaws within the failing criminal justice system as a manhunt is underway for a 24-year-old Algerian man mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth on October 29, with the Metropolitan Police alerted on Tuesday.
The incident came to light after Mr. Lammy’s refusal to disclose information on asylum seekers’ releases post the Hadush Kebatu scandal. It has been clarified that the missing individual is not an asylum seeker. Mr. Lammy emphasized his outrage over the release, underlining the urgent manhunt led by the Metropolitan Police and his team’s overnight efforts to return the criminal to custody.
In addressing the situation, Mr. Lammy stressed the necessity for improved accountability and protection of the public. He introduced stringent measures to prevent such errors and initiated an independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens to identify the root causes of accidental releases and enhance safeguards within the criminal justice system.
During a tense exchange at PMQs, Mr. Lammy faced inquiries about potential further accidental releases of asylum seekers, following the recent case of Kebatu. Calls are now mounting for Mr. Lammy to update Parliament on the latest incident involving the Algerian national’s release.
Meanwhile, the Met Police confirmed receiving information about the erroneous release of the Algerian man from HMP Wandsworth and is actively pursuing efforts to locate and re-incarcerate him. The unfolding situation has drawn criticism from opposition parties like the Lib Dems, demanding a comprehensive explanation and accountability for the repeated failures in the justice system.