Britain27 October, 20252 min read
UK Prison System Releases Convicted Migrant Sex Offender by Mistake, Sparks Manhunt
Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford instead of being deported. Following his release, Kebatu was seen boarding a train to London, prompting a large-scale police manhunt involving multiple forces.
25 outlets told this the same way.
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Prison Release Error and Manhunt
Multiple outlets report that Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national convicted of sexual assaults including against a 14-year-old, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford. He was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation but was released in error. This mistake triggered a police manhunt to locate him.
“Kebatu… was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford due to human error… After his release, he was seen boarding a train to London. The responsible prison officer has been removed from duties, and an urgent investigation is ongoing.”
He was seen boarding a train to London after the error occurred. Authorities suspended a prison officer while launching an urgent investigation into the incident.
Senior officials condemned the mistake as totally unacceptable and sharply criticized prison and immigration procedures. These reports emphasize public safety concerns and the urgent efforts by Essex Police, the Home Office, and the Ministry of Justice to find him.
Reactions to Asylum Policy Issues
Political and public backlash was swift and polarized. Conservative figures such as Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage blamed Labour for systemic failures and public safety risks. Government officials condemned the error and pledged urgent action, including deportation once recaptured.
The use of hotels for asylum accommodation became a flashpoint, with calls to close such sites and to pursue alternatives. Protests and counter-protests intensified at hotels in areas like Epping and Bournemouth.
A local MP demanded a public inquiry. A West Asian outlet also highlighted a broader pattern of release errors and questioned cross-border migration arrangements.
Prisoner Release and Manhunt
Operational details highlight both an administrative mistake and the legal framework involved. The Telegraph reports new legal powers that allow deportation after serving 30% of a sentence. A human error incorrectly classified Kebatu as eligible for release on licence.
“Authorities… are urgently searching… Kebatu… boarded a London-bound train… prompting a police manhunt.”
He was given £76 upon release due to this mistake. Multiple news sources describe a coordinated manhunt by Essex Police. Sightings of Kebatu were reported near Chelmsford and later in London after he boarded a London-bound train.
Authorities emphasize that public safety is the top priority. The Prison Service is cooperating with police as the investigation continues.
Disputed Status of Kebatu
The status of Kebatu became a point of contention as reporting diverged. LBC reported he was located and detained in Finsbury Park and would be returned to Prison Service custody. Several outlets continued to describe him as at large amid an active manhunt.
One local report said he was found residing at a hotel housing asylum seekers. Another outlet linked the case to a wider spike in release errors tied to an early release scheme. This contrasted with other sources’ framing of the situation as a one-off human error.
Community Response and Policy Debate
Community impact and policy fallout widened beyond the manhunt. Protest activity intensified at asylum-seeker hotels nationwide, with police boosting their presence and some residents organizing patrols. Critics demanded the closure of hotel accommodations for asylum seekers and a national inquiry.
“The case has sparked widespread protests across the UK against asylum seekers housed in hotels.”
Officials stressed resource and management strains in the prison system. Local and national politicians called for swift recapture and deportation, reflecting deep divisions over immigration control, public safety, and institutional competence.
