Announcing the appointment of Dame Lynne Owens to lead the Independent Review into Releases in Error.
Following the release in error of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford on Friday 24 October 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister announced on Monday 27 October that Dame Lynne Owens will lead the Independent Review into Releases in Error.
The terms of the independent review are as follows:
- Establish the facts and timeline of the release in error of Mr. Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford.
- Consider whether the relevant protocols around prisoner discharge were in place at HMP Chelmsford and whether staff had sufficient experience, training, tools, and technology to apply them appropriately.
- Consider the extent to which the protocols were properly complied with in this case, identifying points of failure.
- Consider what is causing the releases in error across the prison estate, highlighting any systemic factors that require addressing.
- Consider whether the existing protocols and operating procedures that govern prisoner discharges are sufficiently robust.
- Make recommendations on the basis of the above that can be implemented across the prison estate to reduce the likelihood of any such incident occurring in the future.
As part of this review, Dame Lynne will also offer to consult with the victims of Mr. Kebatu or their nominated representatives.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said:
We will get to the bottom of what happened in this case, and we will take whatever steps necessary to tackle the spike in releases in error, so that we can uphold the first duty of every government, which is to keep the public safe from harm.
Dame Lynne Owens
Dame Lynne Owens is a former Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and former Director General of the National Crime Agency, bringing her extensive expertise to the review.
While Dame Lynne will be given access to the information she needs to deliver against the terms of reference, the review will be independent of HMPPS. The report on the review, including any recommendations, will be submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice. The review is expected to conclude within 8 weeks.
