Downing Street has acknowledged the concerning fact that more than 90 prisoners have been erroneously released since April of this year, with another potential offender reportedly on the run. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy disclosed that three inmates are currently missing following mistaken releases, and an additional case of potential release error on November 3 is under investigation. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) recently published data revealing that 91 individuals were mistakenly set free between April 1 and October 31.
A spokesperson from No 10 informed the media that these incidents reflect a system inherited by the government, highlighting the strains on the prison and criminal justice systems. While such occurrences are uncommon, they have been escalating annually, from an average of nine per month in 2023 to 17 per month the following year. Immediate measures have been implemented, such as enhanced release checks, involving prison governors, and deploying technology experts to address the ongoing prison crisis.
David Lammy has announced a £10 million allocation for the deployment of AI-powered tools to aid frontline staff in accurately calculating sentences and modernizing outdated paper-based systems. Additionally, an urgent independent review has been commissioned to investigate the surge in release errors. The MoJ emphasized that prison staff, already facing significant pressures, are navigating through extensive guidance documents, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
The issue of mistaken prisoner releases gained prominence following a high-profile incident involving Hadush Kebatu, a deported migrant at the center of protests in Epping, Essex.
In a parliamentary statement, David Lammy stressed the need for a significant overhaul of the prison release service and offered a sincere apology to victims impacted by the erroneous releases. He attributed the occurrence of mistakes to a prison system grappling with underfunding, understaffing, and overwhelming pressures, emphasizing the imperative to reduce such errors.
Official statistics indicate that approximately 800 prisoners were mistakenly released during the Conservative administration, with the number steadily rising each year. In the first year under a Labour government, the figures of incorrect releases surged, partly due to the introduction of Labour’s early release scheme necessitated by the state of the justice system inherited. Mr. Lammy also defended proposals to release women offenders into the community, emphasizing the need to explore alternative approaches, particularly considering their roles as mothers.
