Key Highlights
- A manhunt has been launched for a convicted migrant sex offender who was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth on October 29, 2025.
- The error occurred five days after the high-profile release of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford and two days after Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy announced enhanced checks on prisoner releases.
- Hadush Kebatu was a migrant sex offender, and the current case is being described as a “national embarrassment” by the Tories.
- Following the incident, David Lammy promised “the strongest release checks that have ever been in place” and ordered an independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens.
A Mistaken Release Sparks Manhunt for Migrant Sex Offender
The Metropolitan Police is urgently searching for a 24-year-old Algerian man, who has been on the run since his release from HMP Wandsworth on October 29, 2025. The error in the prison system’s procedures was immediately brought to the attention of law enforcement shortly after 13:00hrs on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Background and Context
The case highlights the ongoing issues within the UK’s correctional facilities. Just days prior, on October 24, 2025, Hadush Kebatu, a high-profile migrant sex offender from HMP Chelmsford, had been released. This event was closely followed by Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy announcing enhanced checks on prisoner releases to prevent such incidents in the future.
Public Reaction and Government Response
The mistake at HMP Wandsworth has come under scrutiny from opposition parties who view it as a “national embarrassment.” In response, Mr. Lammy assured the public that the government would implement the strongest release checks ever to prevent such occurrences. An independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens, a former Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police, is now underway.
Implications and Future Directions
The manhunt for the missing Algerian sex offender underscores the challenges faced by UK authorities in managing and releasing prisoners safely. This case has reignited debates about prison procedures and security protocols. The public and political discourse will likely focus on ensuring that similar mistakes do not occur again, emphasizing the need for enhanced systems to safeguard against human error.
The incident also reflects broader concerns within the criminal justice system regarding the handling of high-risk offenders, particularly those who are migrants. As such, it serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding incarceration and reintegration into society.
