London: An asylum seeker sex offender, who was mistakenly released from a UK prison, has been apprehended following a significant manhunt. Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, initially sentenced to 12 months for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, was erroneously freed from Chelmsford Prison. Instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center, he was released on Friday.
According to Ghana News Agency, Kebatu, who was residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, at the time of the offense, traveled from Chelmsford to Stratford in east London after his release. He was later seen in Dalston carrying a distinctive white bag adorned with avocado images. The Metropolitan Police arrested him in the Finsbury Park area of London around 8:30 am on Sunday, with images showing him being escorted by female officers.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Kebatu would face deportation. He praised the officers for their swift action and ordered an investigation to prevent such incidents in the future. Chelmsford's Liberal Democrat MP, Marie Goldman, has called for a national inquiry into the error, expressing concern over public safety and criticizing the government's handling of the situation.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed shock over the release, attributing the mishap to what he described as an inept Labour Government. Philp emphasized the need for immediate deportation of Kebatu, labeling him a threat to women and girls. Meanwhile, Zia Yusuf, head of policy for Reform UK, voiced relief over Kebatu's capture but criticized the government's overall handling of the incident.
A prison officer has been suspended from duties related to prisoner discharge pending the investigation. Commander James Conway of the Met Police highlighted the collaborative efforts of various police forces and the public's role in Kebatu's apprehension. Kebatu, who entered the UK on June 29 via a small boat, was reportedly confused upon his initial release, returning to the prison multiple times only to be redirected by staff.
Statistics from the prison service's annual digest indicate a significant rise in erroneous prisoner releases, with 262 instances in the past year. A recent report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighted the pressures faced by HMP Chelmsford due to national capacity issues and staff shortages.
Kebatu's conviction stemmed from inappropriate advances towards a teenage girl shortly after his arrival in the UK. His actions included making inappropriate comments and attempting to kiss the girl, as well as a separate incident involving a woman. Kebatu was found guilty of five offenses following a trial in September and had expressed a desire to be deported.
The controversy surrounding Kebatu's crime sparked protests and counter-protests in Epping and other areas. Discrepancies in his reported age further complicate his case, with conflicting records suggesting he is either 38 or 41 years old. The incident has intensified debates over the handling of asylum seekers and the government's accountability.
