Fugitive Released from Prison in Error Spotted in London Area

Strategic Insights -

A former asylum seeker who was wrongly released from prison after being sentenced for sexual assault has been spotted in the London area, prompting an urgent search by the police. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 41-year-old Ethiopian national, was meant to be deported after serving 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl. However, he was released by mistake, and now the police are working with the Metropolitan and British Transport Police to locate and arrest him.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 41-year-old Ethiopian national, was wrongly released from prison after serving 12 months for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl.
  • Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison and made the subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order in September.
  • He was supposed to be deported but was released by mistake and is now the subject of an urgent search by the police.
  • Kebatu was seen catching a train at Chelmsford railway station at 12:41pm on Friday, and his last known whereabouts are in the London area.
  • The police are working tirelessly to track his movements and urge anyone with information to call 999 immediately.

Statistics:

  • 12 months: The length of Kebatu's prison sentence for sexual assault.
  • 5 years: The duration of the sexual harm prevention order made against Kebatu.
  • 41: Kebatu's age at the time of release.
  • 12:41pm: The time Kebatu was seen catching a train at Chelmsford railway station on Friday.
  • 999: The emergency number the police are urging anyone with information to call.

Sources:

  • Essex police statement [No specific date]
  • BBC News Jack Shepherd, reporter, British Transport Police [No specific date]