A sex offender, who was mistakenly released from prison and fled to London, has been deported back to Ethiopia.
The individual, Hadush Kebatu, was released in error from HMP Chelmsford but has now been sent out of the UK permanently, as confirmed by the Home Office. Kebatu, aged 38, had recently received a 12-month jail term for assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex.
Originally slated for deportation, the Ethiopian national triggered a significant search operation in the southeast after fleeing. He had been staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, at the time of the crimes.
Kebatu was apprehended on Sunday in the Finsbury Park area by the authorities around 8:30 am, according to reports from the police. He was seen being escorted by plain-clothed officers near a bus stop in north London, dressed in a black jacket and jeans.
After his arrest, Kebatu was taken into custody by police officers and led to a police van with his head covered by a hood. It was revealed that he had entered the UK by crossing the Channel in a small boat on June 29 and left prison with some personal funds but without financial support for living expenses.
Reports indicate that a delivery driver witnessed Kebatu attempting to return to HMP Chelmsford multiple times in a state of confusion, only to be turned away by prison staff and directed to the railway station. An investigation is ongoing, resulting in the suspension of a prison officer responsible for inmate releases.
Kebatu spent less than two days on the run before being apprehended, raising concerns about the circumstances of his release.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed satisfaction in successfully deporting Kebatu, stating that significant efforts were made to ensure his removal. Mahmood emphasized the importance of safeguarding the community from individuals like Kebatu.