Biometric checks to be rolled out in prisons after mistaken releases

The government has announced plans to implement biometric identification systems across prisons following the revelation that 179 individuals were incorrectly released in the year ending March. This decision follows criticism from an independent review, which described such errors as “simply one symptom of a broken system.” The review was initiated after Hadush Kebatu was mistakenly freed from an Essex prison in October 2025. Kebatu had been incarcerated for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman while residing in an asylum hotel.

Government vows to modernize prison procedures

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized that the findings highlighted an “unacceptable” increase in wrongful releases, stating the government would “bring the prison system into the 21st century.” The 179 error releases in England and Wales represent a decrease from the previous year’s 262, yet the number remains significantly higher than the 115 recorded in 2023-24.

“Unacceptable” rise in mistaken releases, said Lammy, who would accept all 33 recommendations from Dame Lynne Owens’s report.

Security measures and funding allocated

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) outlined that errors in releases can stem from misplaced warrants, miscalculations in sentencing, or mistakes by courts and other authorities. Lammy announced £82m would be invested to address these issues and enhance public safety, with £20m allocated this year to digitize outdated paper-based processes. The trials of biometric fingerprint and facial recognition systems are set to begin within six months, with a full rollout anticipated before the end of the current parliament.

Victims’ families offered support

Lammy also expressed “profound sympathies” to the victims of those wrongly released, particularly the family of Hadush Kebatu’s victim. He had met with them in December. Kebatu was supposed to be sent to a deportation centre but was instead released from HMP Chelmsford. A high-profile manhunt ensued; his initial arrest had sparked protests near the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he was staying as part of an asylum program. Demonstrations later spread nationwide.

Kebatu was re-arrested after two days and deported to Ethiopia. Within a fortnight of his release, two other men were also freed in error—both from HMP Wandsworth. Police searches led to William Smith’s surrender and Brahim Kaddour-Cherif’s re-capture. These incidents prompted the government to introduce new security protocols, including a “clear checklist” for prison governors, and to commission Dame Lynne’s review to prevent future mistakes.