A man convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly set free from prison and was spotted boarding a train to London. The individual, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, had received a 12-month sentence in September. Essex Police reported the incident.
Authorities have initiated a manhunt to locate the escaped convict. Reports indicate that he was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation but was erroneously released. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed shock over the blunder and stated that efforts are underway to apprehend Kebatu promptly. Lammy emphasized the need for Kebatu to face deportation for his offenses.
The release mishap occurred on Friday morning at HMP Chelmsford, leading to a prison officer being relieved of duty pending an investigation. The Prison Service confirmed collaboration with law enforcement to recapture the offender.
Kebatu, an asylum seeker who recently arrived in the UK on a small boat, had made inappropriate advances towards two teenagers, expressing desires to have children with them. During his trial, it was revealed that he tried to kiss the girls, touched one of their thighs, and stroked their hair. The case sparked demonstrations in Epping, Essex, and outside asylum seeker accommodations nationwide.