Epping sex offender Hadush Kebatu has been sighted carrying a bag with an avocado design in London. Kebatu, who recently served a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex, was mistakenly released by staff at HMP Chelmsford. Authorities have confirmed his last known location in the Dalston area of Hackney, East London on Friday evening, where he was seen with a unique white bag featuring avocado images.
The Metropolitan Police announced that the search for Kebatu is ongoing, with sightings placing him in Dalston before 8pm on Friday. Despite still wearing his prison-issued attire, Kebatu now carries his belongings in the distinctive avocado-patterned bag. Additional law enforcement officers have been deployed to conduct thorough searches, urging local residents to report any sightings promptly and call 999 if they see Kebatu.
Witnesses observed Kebatu returning to the prison gates multiple times in a confused state before being directed to a railway station by staff. He traveled from Chelmsford to Stratford, London on Friday and made several journeys across the city with access to funds. A delivery driver recounted seeing Kebatu’s confusion at the prison gates, with staff instructing him to leave despite his knowledge of impending deportation.
The driver noted Kebatu’s distress and uncertainty about his next steps, highlighting the challenging situation he faced upon release. Despite the confusion, authorities are actively seeking Kebatu’s whereabouts and have urged the public to assist in locating him.