Deported Migrant Sex Offender Hadush Kebatu Receives £500 Payment to Exit UK
Migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu has been deported to Ethiopia after a series of alarming events surrounding his release from prison. The UK government confirmed that Kebatu was escorted onto a flight at Heathrow Airport. His deportation took place on a Tuesday evening following his mistaken release.
Details of the Deportation
Kebatu was given a discretionary payment of £500 to facilitate his exit from the UK. This payment aimed to prevent a lengthy legal challenge after he threatened to disrupt the removal process. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed satisfaction with his deportation, stating, “Our streets are safer because of it.”
Background of the Case
- Kebatu was found guilty of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl and a woman in Epping, Essex.
- He had arrived in the UK on a small boat just over a week prior to his crimes.
- Following his conviction, he was supposed to be deported but was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford.
After being released on a Friday, he spent nearly 48 hours at large before being recaptured by the Metropolitan Police in Finsbury Park. His unexpected release raised serious concerns about the procedures in place for managing dangerous offenders.
Public Response and Government Actions
The Home Secretary acknowledged public anger over the blunder, insisting it should never have occurred. Justice Secretary David Lammy called the incident an “error” and has initiated an independent inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release. He announced an urgent review of the current release protocols.
New Measures Implemented
In response to this incident, additional safeguards have been introduced to enhance the release process. These include:
- A new protocol consisting of five pages of instructions.
- Mandatory sign-off by senior prison officials before an offender’s release.
These changes mark the implementation of the most rigorous checks that have ever been established in the UK correctional system. Lammy emphasized the necessity of addressing the root causes of this mistake to ensure public safety in the future.
