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Convicted Sex Offender at Large in London after Mistaken Release from Prison

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Metropolitan Police have taken charge of the hunt for a convicted sex offender, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who was mistakenly released from prison. Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker, was jailed for 12 months in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He was supposed to be deported but was instead released with a £76 discharge grant and a remand tag. The Met Police are urging the public to call 999 immediately if they spot Kebatu, who is believed to be in London.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning after being jailed for 12 months in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
  • Kebatu was wrongly categorised as a prisoner due to be released on licence and was handed a £76 discharge grant by mistake.
  • The Met Police have taken charge of the hunt and are working with an experienced investigating officer, who has teams from the Specialist Crime Command with expertise in tracking down wanted people.
  • The police are examining CCTV from the area to establish Kebatu's subsequent movements, and anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to call 999 immediately.
  • Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, called the accidental release "totally unacceptable" and said the police were working urgently to track Kebatu down, while Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said he was "livid on behalf of the public".
  • A prison officer has been taken off duties to discharge prisoners while an investigation takes place, and a public inquiry has been called for by the Shadow home secretary Chris Philp.

Statistics:

  • 70% of the remand and unsentenced population at HMP Chelmsford was reported to be managing more admissions, transfers, and immediate releases without additional resource, according to a report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in January and February 2024.
  • 5 offences were found against Hadush Kebatu after a three-day trial at Chelmsford and Colchester magistrates' courts in September.
  • 12 months was the prison sentence given to Kebatu for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in September.
  • £76 is the amount of discharge grant given to Kebatu by mistake.
  • 4 main transport links (London underground, London overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and transport network) are being used to examine CCTV footage to track down Kebatu's subsequent movements.
  • 38 years old is the age of Hadush Kebatu, according to his given date of birth through a translator.

Sources:

  • Telegraph
  • Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
  • HM Inspectorate of Prisons
  • Essex Police
  • Metropolitan Police
  • PA
  • Alamy Stock Photo
  • Home Office

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