After mistakenly being released from prison, a convicted sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, was apprehended in London. Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national, had recently received a 12-month jail term for assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex. Following his release error from HMP Chelmsford, a manhunt ensued across the south east, eventually leading to his capture in Finsbury Park by Scotland Yard officers.
Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed Kebatu’s arrest and imminent deportation, commending the swift collaborative efforts of the Met, Essex, and British Transport Police. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood echoed the deportation decision, emphasizing the need to prevent similar incidents in the future.
During his sentencing, Kebatu was deemed a high risk for reoffending, prompting the imposition of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) restricting his contact with females. The Metropolitan Police took over the case from Essex Police after Kebatu was believed to be in London.
Metropolitan Police Commander James Conway praised the public for their assistance in locating Kebatu, emphasizing the diligence of the investigation that led to his capture in Finsbury Park. CCTV footage released by the police showed Kebatu in various locations, including a library in Dalston, prior to his arrest.