Three prisoners released by mistake every week since April, new figures show

"A total of 91 prisoners have been freed by mistake between 1 April and 31 October this year the equivalent of three per week, according to latest Ministry of Justice figures published on Tuesday. Justice secretary David Lammy is due to face MPs in the Commons on Tuesday, as the government faces mounting pressure over a series of high profile releases, including that of Epping sex offender Hadush Kebatu."

"Some 262 inmates were mistakenly let out in the year to March 2025 a 128 per cent increase on the 115 in the previous 12 months, Government figures also show. Escaped inmate Hadush Kebatu had been sentenced to 12 months in custody in September, with his arrest sparking the Epping protests this summer (CPS/PA) (PA Wire) Releases in error can include misplaced warrants for imprisonment or remand, sentence miscalculations or can be as a result of mistakes by courts or other authorities, the MoJ said."

"Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said he would press Mr Lammy to make clear how many prisoners have been accidentally released since 1 April this year and how many are still at large, as well as how many are violent or sexual offenders. Mr Jenrick said the accidental releases of Kebatu and the two prisoners that sparked manhunts were just the tip of the iceberg, and that the British public deserve to have the full picture."

Ninety-one prisoners were accidentally freed between 1 April and 31 October, an average of three per week, according to Ministry of Justice figures. The year to March 2025 recorded 262 mistaken releases, a 128% rise from 115 the previous year. High-profile cases included Epping sex offender Hadush Kebatu, an Algerian sex offender and a fraudster from HMP Wandsworth, prompting manhunts and public protests. Causes cited include misplaced warrants, remand or imprisonment errors and sentence miscalculations by courts or other authorities. MPs are pressing for full figures and the number still at large, while ministers warn fixes will take time.

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