A man convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released from jail and has been sighted boarding a train to London. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was sentenced to a 12-month jail term in September. Essex Police reported his presence on a London-bound train.
A manhunt is underway to locate the escaped prisoner. Reports indicate that he 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, stating, “We are urgently collaborating with law enforcement to apprehend him, and I have initiated a swift inquiry. Kebatu must face deportation for his offenses, not roam our streets.” It appears Kebatu was mistakenly released on Friday morning from HMP Chelmsford.
As investigations proceed, a prison officer has been relieved of prisoner discharge duties. A spokesperson from the Prison Service mentioned, “We are working closely with the police to ensure the swift return of the offender to custody following the mistaken release at HMP Chelmsford.”
The asylum seeker, who entered the UK on a small boat shortly before the incidents, allegedly made inappropriate advances towards two teenagers, expressing intentions to start a family with them. During his trial, it was revealed that he attempted to kiss them, touched one girl’s thigh, and stroked her hair. This case triggered demonstrations in Epping, Essex, and outside asylum seeker accommodations nationwide.
For timely news updates, consider selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.
