Britain26 October, 20253 min read
Government Releases Convicted Migrant Sex Offender Who Assaulted Teen Girl, Then Recaptures Him After Nationwide Manhunt
Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford. Kebatu was serving a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
30 outlets told this the same way.
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Prisoner Release Error Incident
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian migrant and asylum seeker, was convicted of multiple sexual offences including assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford only weeks after sentencing, after serving only four weeks of a 12-month sentence. Instead of being transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation, he was freed in error.
“Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian migrant convicted of multiple sexual offences... was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford... An independent investigation... has been ordered by Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy.”
The Metropolitan Police led a manhunt after CCTV footage showed him boarding a train to London. Officials appealed for information regarding his whereabouts. A prison officer has been suspended pending an investigation into the release.
Senior figures, including Justice Secretary David Lammy and the Prime Minister, condemned the error. Newly released data highlighted a sharp rise in erroneous prisoner releases. Authorities described the case as both a public safety failure and a symptom of systemic strain on prisons.
Details of Kebatu's Release Confusion
Multiple outlets detail how Kebatu was misclassified and released amid confusion. Metro.co.uk reports he was wrongly classified as a prisoner eligible for release on licence and was given a discharge grant. He traveled repeatedly between Chelmsford and London during a joint police search.
The Guardian likewise reports he received a £76 discharge grant and went to London. The Independent says he appeared confused and repeatedly returned to the prison seeking guidance before being advised to travel.
However, Liverpool Echo reports he moved around London despite not receiving a discharge grant, highlighting contradictions in subsistence details. South China Morning Post adds he was freed due to a classification error, with three police forces reviewing CCTV.
Political Response to Incident
Political and institutional backlash was immediate. ITVX reports senior leaders condemned the incident and that an officer was suspended while MPs demanded a formal inquiry. V2 Radio quotes Justice Secretary David Lammy calling the release “totally unacceptable” and announcing an independent inquiry with a parliamentary statement.
“The Metropolitan Police have taken over the search... A prison officer has been suspended pending investigation... MPs have demanded a formal inquiry.”
Essex Live highlights cross-party calls for urgent action and reforms. GB News amplifies populist criticism with Nigel Farage calling the situation “broken Britain.” Separately, The i Paper reports Kebatu was re-arrested and is expected to be deported this week, underscoring swift next steps alongside calls for accountability.
Details of Manhunt and Arrest
Accounts of the manhunt and recapture vary by outlet and timing. Manx Radio Motorsport says he was arrested in Finsbury Park after being at large for just under 48 hours. DW reports he was rearrested following a nearly three-day manhunt.
Epping Forest Guardian states police re-arrested him after public tip-offs. Earlier-stage reports from BBC and UK News in Pictures focused on appeals to surrender and sightings in north London in prison-issue clothing. Together, these accounts suggest a fast-moving search with discrepancies in elapsed time reporting and evolving official messaging.
Justice System and Migration Issues
The broader context underscores both systemic strain and community anger. The Guardian and Irish Examiner quantify a surge in erroneous releases—262 cases, a 128% year-over-year rise. BBC cites an independent investigation and expert commentary that the mistake reflects “systemic failures,” not just one person’s error.
“Government data shows that the number of prisoners mistakenly released in England and Wales more than doubled... reaching 262 cases—a 128% increase from the previous year.”
Sky News reports the victim’s family’s strong frustration with the justice system. South China Morning Post references anti-migrant protests triggered by Kebatu’s earlier arrest.
ABC News situates the episode within wider migration pressures, noting record Channel crossings and a serious failure involving a migrant who wasn’t deported and remained free. This situation mirrors concerns raised in this case.