Hadush Kebatu: Migrant Sex Offender Given £500 After Threat to Disrupt Deportation

Deportation Blunder: Migrant Sex Offender Given £500 to Avoid Disruption

A migrant sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison was given a £500 payment by UK authorities after threatening to disrupt his deportation back to Ethiopia, raising questions about the government’s handling of such cases. Hadush Kebatu, who had been living in an asylum hotel in Epping, Essex, and was convicted of sexually assaulting two individuals, was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday.

The Home Office confirmed that Kebatu had been re-arrested after two days and placed on a flight to Ethiopia. However, the payment made by the removal team as an alternative to a more expensive process has sparked controversy among politicians and the public. Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman stated that the decision was made because “Forcible” returns do not usually involve payments, but in this case, it was deemed necessary to avoid a slower and potentially costlier process.

Payment Controversy

The decision to make the payment has been criticized by various political parties. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described it as an “outrageous waste of taxpayers’ money,” while Liberal Democrats called it “outrageous” and said it would “rightly be angry.” Reform UK, a small party, referred to it as an “insult of the highest order.”

Max Wilkinson, home affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, emphasized that the payment was “an outrageous waste of public money,” adding that “Public trust was completely trashed after Kebatu’s wrongful release and now this.” The government defended its actions, stating that the alternative would have cost up to £8,000 in additional expenses. The Migration and Citizenship Minister, Mike Tapp, noted that the policy of paying foreign offenders to facilitate their deportation has been in place for several years as it is “cheaper to the taxpayer.”

Government Response and Inquiry

The government acknowledged a blunder in the incident and stated that immediate controls have been put in place in prisons. An independent inquiry will be conducted by Dame Lynne Owens, former Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner, to identify lessons learned from this situation.

A Home Office Minister of State, Alex Norris, said: “We accept this was a blunder – we’re really angry about it as I know the public are.” The inquiry aims to establish how Kebatu was set free and whether staff had sufficient experience, training, and technology. It will also speak to Kebatu’s victims and make recommendations to prevent further mistaken releases.

Background on Hadush Kebatu

Kebatu arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel on a small boat on 29 June, having travelled through Sudan, Libya, Italy, and France. His arrest in July sparked protests outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, which was being used to accommodate asylum seekers. During his trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that Kebatu had tried to kiss a teenage girl and sexually assaulted her and another woman.

Despite the controversy surrounding the payment, Kebatu’s removal from the UK has been seen as a relief by local authorities and residents.

Neil Hudson, Epping Forest’s Conservative MP, stated: “No one wants to see our hometown the lead story on the news.” The local authority is currently challenging migrants’ lodging at The Bell Hotel.

The incident highlights the complex issues surrounding deportation and the potential risks of human error in such processes. As the inquiry begins, stakeholders will be watching closely to understand how such mistakes can be prevented in the future.