Over 260 Convicted Criminals Wrongfully Released in UK Within Year, Data Reveals

In the United Kingdom, from March 2024 to March 2025, over 260 individuals convicted of crimes were erroneously set free. Government data disclosed this figure, highlighting a 128% rise compared to the previous year, when 115 similar cases were recorded. The report specified that 233 offenders were released from detention facilities, while an additional 29 individuals left court custody. This revelation came amid public outrage following the case of Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national convicted of sexual offenses and illegally residing in the country, who was freed before deportation despite his criminal history. The incident sparked widespread protests across the UK.