were basically sending him away, saying, ‘Go, you’ve been released, you go.’ Sim described Kebatu as being “very confused,” saying, ‘He kept scratching his head and saying, ‘Where do I go, where do I go?’ The fourth or fifth time he went into the reception he was starting to get upset, he was getting stressed. I’m not sticking up for the guy, but in my eyes, he was trying to do the right thing,” shared Sim.
The confusion and stress Kebatu exhibited were stark contrasts to the indifference shown by prison officers, who were focused on releasing him rather than helping him navigate his situation.
Manhunt and Public Concerns
The mistake triggered a massive manhunt involving three police forces. Sim described witnessing a “big, massive manhunt” after he left the prison to make his delivery, with a police helicopter in the sky and numerous sirens and officers present. He only realized the gravity of what had happened once he returned home.
“It’s scary how this has all unfolded, and how easily he’s been able to get out and be around the public.
He’s obviously not a secure man. He shouldn’t have been released and the fact there’s so many officers there – how come no one’s clocked it sooner?” said Sim.
The incident highlights significant flaws in the UK’s immigration and prison systems, raising questions about accountability and safety measures when mistakes like this occur.
Official Response
In response to the situation, David Lammy, a member of parliament, expressed his shock at Kebatu’s release. “I’m appalled, I’m livid on behalf of the public that Kebatu is at large,” said Lammy. “He should be deported back to Ethiopia after the sexual assaults that he’s committed.” The Ministry of Justice referred Sky News to Lammy’s statement.
The case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing and securing migrants, especially those facing serious criminal charges. As the UK continues to grapple with its migrant crisis, incidents like these underscore the need for improved protocols and systems to prevent such mistakes from happening again.
