Key Highlights
- Epping migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu to be deported “this week,” says David Lammy.
- Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford and re-arrested in Finsbury Park, London.
- Justice Secretary David Lammy has ordered an independent inquiry into the release error.
- Espoused a “significant risk of reoffending,” judge said during sentencing for sexually assaulting two victims.
Deportation Order and Manhunt: Hadush Kebatu’s Return to Prison
The case of Epping migrant sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, highlights a critical flaw in the UK’s immigration and prison systems. According to David Lammy, Kebatu will be deported “this week,” marking the end of a 48-hour manhunt initiated after his mistaken release from HMP Chelmsford.
On Sunday at 08:30 GMT, Kebatu was apprehended in Finsbury Park by police, bringing an abrupt halt to a search that began following his unexpected discharge. The incident sparked protests outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, where he had been residing since arriving in the UK on a small boat.
Justice Secretary’s Response and Investigation
Responding to the situation, Justice Secretary David Lammy announced that an independent inquiry into Kebatu’s release will be outlined during Parliament. In addition, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that an investigation is already underway and emphasized the need for accountability.
Lammy further disclosed that Essex Police were informed of Kebatu’s erroneous release on Friday at 12:57, but he had already left the premises by 13:13. The Met Police received a tip-off from a member of the public around 08:03 GMT, leading them to apprehend Kebatu in Finsbury Park 16 minutes later.
Background and Conviction Details
The court heard that Hadush Kebatu posed a “significant risk of reoffending,” as noted by the judge during sentencing. He was convicted for sexually assaulting both a 14-year-old girl and an adult woman while living in an asylum hotel in Epping. His age was initially given as 38, but subsequent findings indicated he might be 41.
During his trial, Kebatu admitted to multiple offenses, including attempting to kiss the teenage victim on a bench and subsequently sexually assaulting her.
He also assaulted another woman who had offered assistance in drafting a CV for work. These incidents led to his conviction of five charges and a sentence of 12 months.
Prison Release Error and Systemic Issues
The incident has raised concerns about the reliability of the UK’s prison release system, with reports indicating that 262 prisoners were mistakenly released between April 2024 and March 2025. This number is a significant increase from the previous year.
According to Wes Streeting, Health Secretary, this event was “a huge relief” but also highlighted severe shortcomings in the system. He stated that additional checks would be implemented by prison governors. Meanwhile, Alex Chalk, former Conservative Justice Secretary, emphasized the necessity for an inquiry to learn lessons from such errors.
The situation has garnered attention from various political figures and institutions, including Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage, who criticized the “disintegrating” state of once-trusted governmental entities like the police and prisons.
