Outraged Father Speaks Out After Teenage Daughter’s Alleged Assailant Asylum Seeker Mistakenly Released

The unexpected release of an asylum seeker, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, has raised serious concerns regarding public safety and the judicial system. Kebatu, a 38-year-old from Ethiopia, had been sentenced to a 12-month prison term for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and another woman in Epping shortly after arriving in the UK via boat.

Father’s Outcry Over Alleged Assailant’s Release

After Kebatu’s release just one month into his sentence, the father of the teenage victim expressed his outrage. He visited HMP Chelmsford, where Kebatu had been incarcerated, seeking explanations for the early release. Though reluctant to speak on camera, he expressed his frustration, stating that the justice system had failed them.

Details Surrounding the Release

Upon his release, Kebatu was spotted in Chelmsford town center wearing prison attire and carrying his belongings in a transparent bag. He boarded a train to London’s Liverpool Street at 12:41 PM. This incident prompted an extensive police operation as multiple law enforcement agencies joined the manhunt for him.

Public and Political Reactions

• Marie Goldman, the Liberal Democrat MP for Chelmsford, voiced her anger, highlighting significant flaws in the justice system.
• Goldman noted the frustration among her constituents over recurring issues related to underinvestment and operational failures.
• Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the release as a sign of “staggering incompetence” and demanded accountability from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Justice Secretary David Lammy.

Investigation and Manhunt Efforts

In response to his release, officials initiated a thorough investigation into how Kebatu managed to leave custody. Policing experts have stated that authorities will analyze CCTV footage from the train and coordinate efforts across various jurisdictions to track his movements following his release.

Authorities, including Essex Police and the British Transport Police, are committed to locating Kebatu and ensuring public safety. The investigation will consider Kebatu’s past contacts and any potential support he might have in the area.

This incident underscores the pressing need for accountability within the judicial system. It raises questions about safeguarding measures for vulnerable individuals and the importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement.