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Migrant Sex Offender Arrested in London After 2-Day Manhunt

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A migrant sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison has been arrested in London, ending a two-day manhunt. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was convicted of sexual offenses and was found in the Finsbury Park area at around 8.30am on Sunday. Kebatu was due to be deported but was instead released from HMP Chelmsford and traveled around London using his own funds. His case has sparked a government investigation and raised concerns about prison management and accountability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford and was due to be deported. Instead, he traveled around London using his own funds.
  • Kebatu was convicted of five sexual offenses, including sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. He was found guilty after a three-day trial at Chelmsford and Colchester magistrates' courts.
  • The Prison Service reported that 262 prisoners were released in error in England and Wales in the 12 months to March, a 128% increase from the previous year.
  • HMP Chelmsford is under considerable pressure due to national capacity issues and staff shortages in reception and the pre-release team, according to a report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons.
  • Justice Secretary David Lammy has launched an investigation into the incident, and Cabinet minister Wes Streeting has called for accountability for the "egregious failure" that allowed Kebatu's release.
  • Kebatu was arrested in the Finsbury Park area at around 8.30am on Sunday, following a search led by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police.

Statistics:

  • 262 prisoners were released in error in England and Wales in the 12 months to March. (Source: The Prison Service)
  • This number represents a 128% increase from the previous year. (Source: The Prison Service)
  • Kebatu was due to be deported but was instead released from HMP Chelmsford and traveled around London using his own funds. (Source: Metropolitan Police)
  • Kebatu was convicted of five sexual offenses, including sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. (Source: Court documents)

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police
  • Prison Service
  • HM Inspectorate of Prisons
  • Court documents
  • Wes Streeting, Cabinet minister

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