A sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, who was mistakenly released from prison and fled to London, has been apprehended by authorities. Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national, was recently sentenced to 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex. Despite being slated for deportation, he was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford, leading to a widespread manhunt in the south-eastern region. Kebatu committed the crimes while residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
The fugitive was captured in the Finsbury Park area of north London at approximately 8:30 am, according to Scotland Yard. During his sentencing, the judge highlighted Kebatu’s high risk of reoffending and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) preventing him from contacting females.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Kebatu’s release as “completely unacceptable” and emphasized the need for his capture and deportation. Initially, Essex Police led the search, but the Metropolitan Police assumed control following indications that Kebatu was likely in London.
Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed Kebatu’s presence in London after he disembarked a train at Stratford in east London. Recent CCTV footage released by the Metropolitan Police showed Kebatu in a library in Dalston, leading to additional police deployment in the area. Kebatu was sighted wearing a prison-issue grey tracksuit and carrying a bag adorned with avocado prints.
Metropolitan Police Commander James Conway commended the diligent investigation that led to Kebatu’s arrest in Finsbury Park, attributing the success to public cooperation. Kebatu will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service.
