Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

12 Prisoners Accidentally Released Amid System Failures

12/2/2025

31 2

Summary

Story summary

Justice Secretary David Lammy said 12 prisoners were accidentally released in the past three weeks, with two still at large, following 91 accidental releases between April and October.
He attributed the problem to a paper-based system.
The Hadush Kebatu case drew attention as releases rose from 115 in 2023-2024 to 262 in the following year, with improvements expected from the digital transition.

1 of 1

Story summary

Justice Secretary David Lammy said 12 prisoners were accidentally released in the past three weeks, with two still at large, following 91 accidental releases between April and October.
He attributed the problem to a paper-based system.
The Hadush Kebatu case drew attention as releases rose from 115 in 2023-2024 to 262 in the following year, with improvements expected from the digital transition.