Migrant Sex Offender Mistakenly Released From Prison Arrested After London Manhunt

Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker convicted and jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation. After his release on a Friday morning, a major police manhunt involving the Metropolitan Police, Essex Police, and British Transport Police was launched to locate him. Kebatu was found and arrested in the Finsbury Park area of London nearly two days later, following public tips and a coordinated search. He had traveled to the UK on a small boat in June and had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping when the assaults occurred. Authorities noted Kebatu was confused after release and had access to funds, traveling widely across London before his arrest. Police emphasized their gratitude for public assistance in apprehending Kebatu, who will be returned to prison custody.