Manhunt for asylum seeker jailed for sexual assault mistakenly released

Manhunt for asylum seeker jailed for sexual assault mistakenly released

A manhunt has been initiated by the police after an asylum seeker, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who sexually abused a 14-year-old girl, was mistakenly set free from prison. Kebatu, an Ethiopian national who arrived in the UK via a small boat, had been incarcerated for 12 months due to the assault that took place in Epping, Essex, just last month. Sources from the prison indicated that Kebatu was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention center in preparation for deportation.

The incident occurred on the 7th and 8th of July when Kebatu assaulted both the teenage girl and another woman, leading to nationwide protests. Subsequently, in September, he received a 12-month sentence along with a five-year sexual harm prevention order, prohibiting him from approaching or contacting any females. Additionally, Kebatu was mandated to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a decade. Prior to his apprehension, Kebatu had been residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service stated, “We are working expeditiously with the authorities to ensure the offender is returned to custody following the erroneous release from HMP Chelmsford. Safeguarding the public remains our paramount objective, prompting an inquiry into this matter.” Justice Secretary David Lammy expressed his shock at the mistaken release from HMP Chelmsford, emphasizing the crucial need to swiftly locate Kebatu. Lammy emphasized the necessity for Kebatu to be deported without delay, asserting that individuals convicted of such crimes should not be roaming the streets.

Following the release error that transpired at HMP Chelmsford, the Justice Secretary has taken drastic measures to rectify the situation, urging cooperation with law enforcement to detain Kebatu. A thorough investigation has been launched to address the oversight, underscoring the imperative of safeguarding society from individuals like Kebatu. The incident has reignited discussions regarding the deportation process for convicted offenders, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent similar mishaps in the future

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More