Asylum Seeker's Confused Return to Prison: The Inside Story

Strategic Insights -

An Ethiopian national, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, was mistakenly released from an English prison and returned to HMP Chelmsford in a "very confused state" multiple times, before being escorted to the railway station, a witness has revealed. Kebatu, who was jailed for 12 months in September for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, was wrongly categorised as a prisoner due to be released on licence, handing him a £76 discharge grant. The Metropolitan Police has launched a manhunt for Kebatu, who has access to funds and has taken "a number of journeys" across London since his release.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford and returned to the prison multiple times in a confused state.
  • Kebatu was jailed for 12 months in September for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
  • He was wrongly categorised as a prisoner due to be released on licence and handed a £76 discharge grant.
  • Prison staff sent him away each time, directing him to the railway station, where he was finally escorted by staff.
  • The Metropolitan Police has launched a manhunt for Kebatu, who has access to funds and has taken "a number of journeys" across London since his release.
  • A witness, identified as Sim, a delivery driver, described Kebatu's confused state, saying he repeatedly asked where he was going and what he was doing.
  • The Ministry of Justice confirmed the account was accurate.

Statistics:

  • Kebatu was jailed for 12 months in September.
  • He was released with a £76 discharge grant.
  • The Metropolitan Police has launched a manhunt for Kebatu.
  • He has taken "a number of journeys" across London since his release.
  • The manhunt involves multiple police forces, including the Metropolitan Police.

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police
  • Sky News
  • Ministry of Justice