A man convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl has been mistakenly released from jail and was last seen boarding a train to London. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, had been sentenced to 12 months in prison in September. Essex Police reported his sighting heading towards London.
Authorities have initiated a manhunt to locate the escaped prisoner. Reports indicate that Kebatu was erroneously set free from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed shock over the oversight and emphasized the need to swiftly recapture Kebatu for deportation, stating, “Kebatu must be deported for his crimes, not roaming our streets.”
Following the incident, a prison officer has been relieved of duties pertaining to prisoner releases pending an ongoing investigation. The Prison Service confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement to ensure Kebatu’s prompt return to custody after the mistaken release.
During his trial, it was revealed that the asylum seeker, who had recently arrived in the UK via a small boat, made inappropriate advances towards two teenagers. Kebatu allegedly expressed a desire to have children with them, attempted to kiss them, and touched one of the girls inappropriately. This case has triggered protests in Epping, Essex, and at other locations housing asylum seekers across the nation.