Biometric checks to be rolled out in prisons after mistaken releases
Biometric checks to be rolled out in prisons after mistaken releases
The UK government has announced plans to introduce biometric verification systems in prisons following the revelation that 179 individuals were incorrectly released during the year ending March 2025. This decision comes amid criticism from an independent assessment that highlighted these errors as “simply one symptom of a broken system.” The review was initiated after Hadush Kebatu was mistakenly set free from an Essex prison in October 2025, following his conviction for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman while staying in an asylum hotel.
Government commits to modernizing prison system
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized that the findings underscored the “unacceptable” trend of wrongful releases, urging the implementation of 21st-century safeguards. He confirmed the adoption of all 33 recommendations from Dame Lynne Owens, a former Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner, which aim to reduce errors. Trials for biometric fingerprint and facial recognition technologies will commence within six months, with a comprehensive rollout anticipated before the current parliament concludes.
“The government will bring the prison system into the 21st century,” Lammy stated, noting the allocation of £82m to address systemic flaws and enhance public safety after years of operational disarray.
MoJ officials explained that errors in release can stem from misplaced arrest warrants, miscalculated sentences, or oversights by judicial or administrative bodies. Despite a decline from the previous year’s 262 mistakes, the rate remains higher than the 115 recorded in 2023-24. Lammy also extended his condolences to victims of those released in error, particularly Hadush Kebatu’s survivor, whom he met with in December.
Hadush Kebatu’s case sparks national response
Kebatu was intended for deportation to Ethiopia after his arrest but was instead released from HMP Chelmsford. A high-profile search ensued, with his initial detention prompting protests near the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he had resided. Demonstrations later expanded across the country. He was re-arrested two days later and sent back to Ethiopia.
Within two weeks of Kebatu’s release, two additional men were found to have been freed erroneously—both from HMP Wandsworth in London. William Smith surrendered to police after a manhunt, while Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was re-arrested. These incidents prompted the government to introduce a “clear checklist” for prison governors and commission Dame Lynne’s review to prevent future occurrences.
£20m is earmarked this year to digitize outdated paper-based procedures, with further investments to bolster verification processes and staffing. The initiative aims to rectify the errors that have plagued the system, ensuring greater accountability and security for the public.
