The Metropolitan Police have assumed control of the search for a convicted sex offender erroneously released from prison, with authorities indicating a strong likelihood that the individual, an asylum seeker, is presently in London.
The public is being urged to contact emergency services immediately upon sighting Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national who served a 12-month sentence starting in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Prior to his conviction, Kebatu resided at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Justice Secretary David Lammy disclosed that Kebatu was spotted boarding a train in Chelmsford and is currently “at large in London.” The Metropolitan Police, previously assisting Essex Police in the manhunt, formally took over the operation following Kebatu’s disembarkation at Stratford station in east London around 1:10 pm on Friday.
Stratford station, ranked as the UK’s fifth busiest, boasts connections to the London underground, London overground, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Commander James Conway emphasized the importance of locating Kebatu, citing it as a top priority for the Metropolitan Police. The search is being led by a seasoned investigating officer with support from Specialist Crime Command personnel skilled in tracking down fugitives. Conway mentioned ongoing scrutiny of CCTV footage in the vicinity and beyond, including on transportation networks, to trace Kebatu’s movements. Updates will be provided as warranted, although Conway stressed the importance of refraining from detailed commentary to maintain the effectiveness of the manhunt.
Kebatu’s accidental release from HMP Chelmsford occurred on Friday morning, where he was mistakenly processed as a soon-to-be-released prisoner eligible for an immigration detention center. He was erroneously given a £76 discharge grant. Individuals encountering Kebatu or possessing information on his whereabouts are urged to contact emergency services promptly.
Sir Keir Starmer condemned the inadvertent release as “completely unacceptable,” affirming ongoing efforts by law enforcement to apprehend Kebatu. Deputy Prime Minister Lammy expressed frustration on behalf of the public, while Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the release as a display of “staggering incompetence,” calling for a public inquiry.
Following a report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighting challenges faced by HMP Chelmsford due to national capacity issues and staffing shortages, concerns were raised about the prison’s ability to manage the escalating remand and unsentenced population.
During sentencing last month, the judge denounced Kebatu’s actions as indicative of his disrespect towards women. The 38-year-old, who arrived in the UK shortly before committing the offenses in July, engaged in inappropriate behavior towards teenagers and a woman, leading to his conviction on five charges in September.
In court, discrepancies regarding Kebatu’s age were noted, with police records suggesting he is 41 years old despite his claim of being 38. The Home Office was prepared to transfer him to an immigration removal center pending deportation.
