A former asylum seeker who was jailed for sexual assault has been mistakenly released from prison and is now on the run. Essex Police confirmed that Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was seen boarding a London-bound train from Chelmsford railway station on Friday afternoon.
Kebatu, 41, an Ethiopian national, was sentenced in September to 12 months for sexual assault and made subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order. He was due to be transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation but was freed due to a procedural error.
The Prison Service has launched an investigation, and the officer who authorised the release has been removed from duties. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said there was “no excuse” for the mistake but blamed the previous government for a “collapsing prison system”. Kebatu’s case had previously sparked far-right protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he was staying.
Prison sources described the error as a “disaster waiting to happen”, citing high volumes of releases processed by inexperienced staff. Recent law changes mean foreign criminals can be removed after serving shorter sentences; Kebatu was eligible for immediate removal due to time served on remand.
Police are working with the Metropolitan Police to locate him. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” and insisted the man must be caught and deported.
