Police are searching for a convicted sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison and has since committed a new stalking offence. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 41, was freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday despite being due for deportation to Ethiopia.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Kebatu was seen on CCTV in the Dalston area of Hackney on Friday evening, wearing a grey prison tracksuit and carrying a white bag with avocado prints. He is believed to have access to funds and has sought help from members of the public and station staff.
Commander James Conway made a direct appeal for Kebatu to surrender, stating: 'We want to locate you in a safe and controlled way. The best outcome for you is to make contact directly with us.' He urged anyone with information to call 999 immediately.
It emerged that Kebatu returned to the prison multiple times after his release, appearing confused and asking where to go. A delivery driver reported seeing him turned away by staff who told him to leave. Prison sources confirmed the release was due to human error, and the officer involved has been removed from duties pending an investigation.
Essex Police tracked Kebatu catching a train from Chelmsford to Stratford at 12.41pm on Friday. The Met took over the investigation on Saturday morning, deploying additional officers to search the Dalston area. Kebatu was originally jailed for 12 months for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl, and was subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
