Asylum Seeker Accidentally Released from Prison, Manhunt Underway

Strategic Insights -

A major police operation is underway to re-arrest an asylum seeker who was accidentally released from HMP Chelmsford after serving one month of a 12-month sentence for sexual assault. Hadush Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national, was meant to be deported but was instead released due to a prison service error. The incident has sparked concerns and protests across the UK, with Essex Police leading the investigation in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman and a minor.
  • Kebatu was released from HMP Chelmsford after serving one month of his sentence due to a prison service error.
  • A manhunt is underway, with Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and British Transport Police working together to locate and re-arrest Kebatu.
  • Kebatu was last seen in the London area and is believed to be still at large.
  • The investigation has been ongoing since yesterday, with police scouring hours of CCTV footage to track Kebatu's movements.
  • The public is urged to report any information about Kebatu's whereabouts to 999 immediately.
  • The incident has sparked widespread concern and protests across the UK, with major protests held in Essex and outside hotels across the country.

Statistics:

  • 38: The age of Hadush Kebatu, the asylum seeker at the center of the manhunt.
  • 12: The number of months Kebatu was sentenced to in prison for sexual assault.
  • 1: The number of month Kebatu served in prison before being accidentally released.
  • 999: The phone number to call to report information about Kebatu's whereabouts.

Sources:

  • Foote, C. (2023). Manhunt Underway for Asylum Seeker Accidentally Released from Prison. Essex Police.
  • Anonymous (2023). Man Accidentally Released from Prison After Serving One Month for Sexual Assault. The Telegraph.
  • British Transport Police. (2023). Appeal for Information: Man Believed to be at Large After Being Released from Prison in Error.