A convicted sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, is now back in his native Ethiopia, deported from the UK with no possibility of return. The swift action follows a concerning error that saw him wrongly released from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to immigration detention.
Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, had previously committed heinous crimes – sexually assaulting both a 14-year-old girl and a woman while residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. His accidental release triggered a nationwide manhunt, sparking public outrage and fear.
The search culminated on Sunday morning when officers located Kebatu sitting on a bench in Finsbury Park, London. He was immediately taken into custody, bringing a tense period of uncertainty to an end.
Authorities moved quickly to ensure his removal from the country. A flight to Ethiopia on Tuesday night carried Kebatu, and confirmation of his arrival came Wednesday morning.
The Home Secretary expressed deep frustration over the initial blunder, acknowledging the public’s justified anger. She emphasized the commitment to swiftly deporting individuals who commit crimes within the UK, stating unequivocally that “Our streets are safer because of it.”
