UK PM Starmer Vows Reform After Sex Offender's Accidental Prison Release Sparks Nationwide Manhunt

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to ensure that the accidental release of Hadush Kebatu, a convicted sex offender and Ethiopian asylum seeker, does not happen again after Kebatu was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford instead of being sent to an immigration detention center. Kebatu, who was serving a sentence for sexually assaulting a teenage girl and an adult woman, sparked a large manhunt after disappearing, which ended with his arrest in Finsbury Park, London. The release error has caused widespread outrage, especially in Epping where the crimes occurred, fueling anti-immigration protests and highlighting public concerns about immigration and justice system failures. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed Kebatu will be deported as soon as possible, while a prison officer involved in the discharge process has been suspended pending investigation. Justice Secretary David Lammy and police forces from Essex and London worked quickly to track and arrest Kebatu, with public assistance playing a key role. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Starmer's government, with critics citing it as part of broader governance challenges.