Deported Sex Offender Wrongly Freed from UK Prison Returns to Ethiopia

Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, has returned to Ethiopia after being deported from the UK. His deportation followed a significant blunder when he was mistakenly released from Chelmsford prison instead of being sent to an immigration detention center.

Details of the Case

Kebatu was living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, England, when he committed two sexual offenses. He was charged with making inappropriate comments to a 14-year-old girl and later assaulted a woman by attempting to kiss her and placing his hand on her leg.

Timeline of Events

• June 29: Kebatu crossed the English Channel into the UK.
• July 7: He assaulted a 14-year-old girl.
• September: Following a trial at Chelmsford and Colchester Magistrates’ Courts, he was found guilty of five offenses.
• Friday Morning: Mistakenly released from prison.
• Sunday Morning: Arrested after a two-day manhunt.
• Tuesday Night: Deported to Ethiopia.

Official Reactions and Changes Implemented

In response to the incident, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her outrage, stating that such a mistake should not have occurred. She confirmed that all efforts were made to ensure Kebatu’s deportation and emphasized the importance of public safety.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also criticized the error and announced an independent inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release. He noted that the incident highlighted a wider issue with prison procedures in the UK.

Recent Trends in Prison Releases

Prison Officers’ Association chairman Mark Fairhurst indicated that this was not an isolated incident. He reported that there have been multiple recent instances of mistaken releases across various prisons, underscoring a troubling pattern.

Public Reaction

The release and subsequent arrest of Kebatu sparked protests in Epping and demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers nationwide. The public has expressed a strong demand for accountability and improved security measures in the UK prison system.