The Metropolitan Police have urged convicted sex offender Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu to hand himself in after he was mistakenly released from prison. The 41-year-old Ethiopian national was jailed for 12 months in September for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl, and was subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
Kebatu was released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday wearing a prison-issued grey tracksuit and carrying a plastic bag. He has since been seen making several train journeys across London, including from Stratford to Dalston, where he was last spotted shortly before 8pm on Friday carrying a distinctive white bag with avocado pictures.
Commander James Conway made a direct appeal to Kebatu, saying: 'We want to locate you in a safe and controlled way. The best outcome for you is to make contact directly with us.' Police believe Kebatu has access to funds and has sought assistance from members of the public and station staff.
Kebatu was meant to be transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation but was released by mistake due to human error. A delivery driver reported seeing Kebatu return to the prison multiple times, confused and asking where to go, but being turned away by staff.
Essex Police confirmed Kebatu caught a train from Chelmsford at 12.41pm on Friday, arriving in Stratford at 1.10pm. The Met has now taken over the investigation, deploying additional officers to search the Dalston area and urging anyone with information to call 999 immediately.
