Picture courtesy of Essex Police

 

The Metropolitan Police have directly appealed to migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu to surrender after his erroneous release from an Essex prison. Convicted of assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman, Kebatu mistakenly gained freedom and made his way to east London. Authorities are now actively searching for him, urging him to contact police for a safe and controlled resolution.

 

Kebatu had been jailed after committing offences in Epping while staying in a hotel. Following his release, Cmd James Conway stated that the police are exploring "all lines of enquiry" into his whereabouts. The public is reportedly providing Kebatu with help as he travels across London and has access to funds. CCTV captured him in Hackney's Dalston area on Friday, clad in a prison-issued tracksuit and carrying a conspicuous avocado-decorated white bag.

 

Police across north London have increased their presence, while Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy has demanded a thorough investigation into the blunder. New prison protocols are expected to start on Monday to tighten release procedures, requiring duty governors to verify processes the night before a release.

 

The Essex Police, having handed the investigation to the Met Police, emphasised their commitment to swiftly apprehending Kebatu. Despite his escape, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order remains effective against him due to his risk to women and children. It remains unclear what caused his unintended release, though overworked staff at HMP Chelmsford might be a factor. A prison officer has been suspended in light of the snafu, yet insiders caution against blaming one individual entirely.

 

Essex Police were alerted to the mistake shortly before 13:00 on Friday, soon after Kebatu was seen boarding a train toward Stratford, one of the UK's busiest stations. The situation has drawn stark criticism, with Sir Keir Starmer labelling the release "completely unacceptable" and demanding Kebatu's capture and deportation. Former prison governor John Podmore warns that the incident reflects systemic issues within the prison framework.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Hadush Kebatu was mistakenly released from prison after being jailed for sexual assaults.
• Authorities increased searches, while new protocols in prisons are set to begin.
• The erroneous release highlights broader issues within the prison system.

Related Stories:

Epping Hotel Asylum Seeker Mistakenly Released From Prison

Epping Hotel Outrage: Asylum Seeker Guilty of Assaulting Girl

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-26

 

 

UPDATE:
 

Manhunt Success: Migrant Sex Offender Back in Custody

 

A migrant mistakenly freed from prison has been re-arrested in north London, according to the Metropolitan Police. Hadush Kebatu, released from HMP Chelmsford in error, was captured near Finsbury Park on Sunday morning after a large-scale search. He had been initially detained for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman.

 

The blunder occurred despite Kebatu's sentencing last month. Authorities had intended to deport him, yet he was wrongly released. Met Police Cmd James Conway praised the public’s assistance, stating that community tips were instrumental in locating Kebatu.

 

Initially, Essex Police were informed of the mistake on Friday afternoon, but Kebatu had swiftly travelled to east London. He was later spotted on CCTV in Dalston wearing a grey tracksuit and carrying a distinct bag.

 

In July, Kebatu's actions prompted protests outside an Epping asylum hotel where he resided after arriving in the UK. He was charged with several offences, including attempting to kiss a teen girl whom he later assaulted.

 

Courts revealed discrepancies regarding Kebatu’s age, recorded as both 38 and 41. In September, he was convicted and sentenced to 12 months in jail, with additional restrictions under a sexual harm prevention order. His trial also indicated his wish to be deported under applicable UK laws following his conviction.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Hadush Kebatu, mistakenly released, was recaptured in north London.
• Public tips played a key role in his swift re-arrest by the Met Police.
• Sentenced for sexual offences, Kebatu faces deportation proceedings.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-26

 

 

He has been caught!

Now the Justice Minister and the Home Secretary need to resign, together with Governor of the prison where this perp was being held!

Could Britain get any more embarrassing under this Labour government? What a clown show. 😄

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Could Britain get any more embarrassing under this Labour government? What a clown show. 😄

While I totally agree that the Labour Government is a disgrace and an embarrassment on this, as well as many other things, I do remember how awful the Tories were on this, as well as many other things.  The figures for 2016-17 are on the link below:

"Official figures reveal a record 71 convicted criminals or suspects were mistakenly freed in England and Wales"

 

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jul/27/prisoners-released-by-mistake-amid-surge-violence-england-wales-prisons

 

Please note I do not support any UK political party; they are all currently a disgrace.

 

Jesus

2 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

He has been caught!

Now the Justice Minister and the Home Secretary need to resign, together with Governor of the prison where this perp was being held!

 

 

You're correct......they all should have resigned.............

 

Pritti Patel ................115 released in error

James Cleverly.........262 released in error

 

 

It will all be fine as Starmer says it was "completely unacceptable". 

Why do I hear this insipid phrase so often from the left? Gaza was described as such for two years, especially as regards Hamas holding the hostages - completely unacceptable eh. 

My suspicion is they wish to convey their righteous feeling, maybe hold another commission or hearing into it as they shirk from getting to the core, and doing something about it. 

 

21 hours ago, Donga said:

My suspicion is they wish to convey their righteous feeling, maybe hold another commission or hearing into it as they shirk from getting to the core, and doing something about it.

Yup, all recent Governments in the UK have done the same thing on many occasions, they have all been close to useless.  Investigation this, investigation that, with very little fixing of the issues.