A sex offender, mistakenly released from prison and fleeing to London, has been deported back to his home country, Ethiopia.
The individual, Hadush Kebatu, who was released in error from HMP Chelmsford, has been sent back to Ethiopia by the UK authorities. Kebatu, aged 38, had served a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex.
Initially scheduled for deportation, Kebatu managed to evade authorities, triggering a widespread manhunt across the south-eastern region. At the time of his offenses, he was staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
Following his arrest in the Finsbury Park area at around 8:30 am on Sunday by authorities from Scotland Yard, Kebatu was seen being led away by plain-clothed police officers near a bus stop in North London. He was dressed in a black jacket and jeans, with a hood covering his head.
Despite his escape from prison, Kebatu spent less than two days on the run before being apprehended. Concerns arose regarding the circumstances of his release, prompting an investigation into the matter.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed satisfaction in the successful deportation of Kebatu, emphasizing the enhanced safety of the community with his removal.
A prison officer has been relieved of duty pending an inquiry into the incident.
