A controversial decision to release a foreign national from prison before sentencing has ignited a political firestorm, with Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy demanding urgent answers from the government.
The case involves Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national who was granted release from HMP Wandsworth despite awaiting sentencing for drug-related offences. The move has raised serious concerns about the management of foreign offenders within the UK's justice system.
Political Outrage Over Prison Protocol
David Lammy has written to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, expressing profound alarm at what he describes as a "serious failure" in the system. The Labour frontbencher highlighted that Kebatu had been released under an electronically monitored curfew, despite having no fixed address in the UK.
"This case raises serious questions about the management of foreign national offenders in our prisons," Lammy stated. "The public will be rightly concerned that someone with no fixed abode and due to be deported was released on bail."
Systemic Failures Exposed
The controversy stems from Kebatu's initial arrest in September 2022 during a police stop-and-search operation in west London. Officers discovered multiple wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, leading to his subsequent guilty plea in November.
Despite this conviction, Kebatu was released in December under an electronically monitored curfew requirement. Critics argue this decision demonstrates fundamental flaws in how the justice system handles cases involving foreign nationals.
Immigration Status Complications
Compounding the situation, Kebatu had already been served with a deportation order and had no legitimate right to remain in the UK. This aspect has particularly concerned opposition politicians and justice campaigners.
Lammy emphasised the broader implications: "This isn't just about one case. It reflects systemic issues in how we manage offenders who are subject to deportation orders and raises questions about public safety."
Government Under Pressure
The Ministry of Justice now faces mounting pressure to explain the decision-making process that led to Kebatu's release. Legal experts suggest the case highlights tensions between bail considerations and immigration enforcement.
As the government prepares its response, this incident has sparked wider debate about prison overcrowding, bail decisions, and the integration of immigration and justice policies.
