Kebatu Mistakenly Released from HMP Chelmsford, Arrested

Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker jailed in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford earlier this week when he should have been transferred to an immigration removal centre. A national manhunt, aided by CCTV footage and public tips, led to his arrest in Finsbury Park, north London, on Sunday and police say he will be returned to custody. Justice Secretary David Lammy called the release “human error”, has launched an independent inquiry, ordered strengthened checks across prisons, and one HMP Chelmsford officer has been suspended. The incident has intensified criticism over staffing and underinvestment in the prison system amid a sharp rise in erroneous releases, with ministers and victims expressing outrage. Officials say Kebatu is expected to be flown back to Ethiopia imminently and that deportation will be prioritised once police processing is complete.