A man convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl, who was mistakenly released from prison, has been spotted boarding a train to London. The individual, identified as Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was sentenced to 12 months in jail in September. Essex Police confirmed the sighting of Kebatu on a London-bound train.
Following his accidental release, a manhunt has been initiated to locate the fugitive. Reports indicate that Kebatu was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation but was erroneously set free. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed shock over the oversight and pledged to cooperate with law enforcement to apprehend Kebatu swiftly. Lammy emphasized the necessity of deporting Kebatu for his offenses and ensuring public safety.
The incident occurred when Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning. As an investigation unfolds, a prison officer has been relieved of duties related to prisoner releases. The Prison Service has confirmed its collaboration with the police to return Kebatu to custody after the mishap at HMP Chelmsford.
During his trial, it was revealed that the asylum seeker, who had recently arrived in the UK, made inappropriate advances towards two teenagers, expressing a desire to have children with them and making physical advances. This case has sparked protests in Epping, Essex, and outside various accommodations for asylum seekers nationwide.