A man, previously jailed for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl, has been sighted boarding a train bound for London. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was sentenced to 12 months in prison in September. Despite this, Essex Police reported his presence on a London-bound train.
Following his accidental release, a manhunt has been initiated to locate the escaped convict. Reports from The Sun indicated that Kebatu was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation but was erroneously set free. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed his dismay over the mistake and emphasized the need to swiftly track down Kebatu for deportation.
The incident occurred when Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning. In response to the situation, a prison officer has been relieved of duties related to prisoner releases pending an ongoing investigation. The Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the collaborative efforts with the police to ensure Kebatu’s return to custody.
Kebatu, an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK via a small boat shortly before the incidents, allegedly made inappropriate advances towards two teenagers, expressing his desire to have children with them. During his trial, it was revealed that he attempted to kiss the teenagers, touched one of the girls inappropriately, and caressed her hair. The case sparked demonstrations both in support and against Kebatu in Epping, Essex, and outside accommodations hosting asylum seekers nationwide.
