Epping's Hadush Kebatu Deported After Prison Release Error

blockchain A convicted child sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, has been deported to Ethiopia after a significant error led to his premature release from prison in the UK. The Home Office confirmed that Kebatu arrived in Ethiopia in the early hours following his removal from the UK on a flight that barred him from returning.

Kebatu's situation has highlighted the challenges faced by the UK in managing irregular migration and the chaos within the criminal justice system. The Ethiopian national had initially arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, crossing the Channel in a small boat on June 29. He was subsequently housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.

Just eight days after his arrival, Kebatu committed sexual offenses, making inappropriate remarks to a 14-year-old girl who was enjoying pizza with a friend in Epping town center. The following day, he assaulted a woman, attempting to kiss her. He also tried to kiss the same 14-year-old girl again after encountering her by chance.

These incidents led to unrest outside the hotel where he was staying, creating tensions between far-right activists and anti-racism campaigners. Protests erupted across hotels in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in response to his actions.

Epping's Hadush Kebatu Deported After Prison Release Error Kebatu was found guilty of two sexual assaults, harassment, inciting sexual activity, and attempted sexual assault. In September, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with a subsequent order for deportation. During his trial, he expressed a desire to be deported.

On Friday morning, Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center. Reports indicate that a delivery driver observed him returning to the prison multiple times over an hour and a half, appearing confused. He had informed prison officers of his deportation order, but they directed him towards the town center instead.

Discovering the Magic in Everyday Moments After two days on the run, Kebatu was arrested in Finsbury Park, north London, on Sunday morning. The Home Office confirmed that he was deported on a flight to Ethiopia on Tuesday night, arriving the next morning.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed the incident, expressing her frustration over the blunder. “Last week’s blunder should never have happened – and I share the public’s anger that it did,” she stated. She thanked the police for swiftly apprehending Kebatu and commended the public for their vigilance. Mahmood asserted, “I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported. Our streets are safer because of it.”

Kebatu's wrongful release has raised serious concerns regarding public safety and trust in the immigration system. Critics emphasize the need for a thorough investigation to uncover how such a significant mistake could occur, demanding that the public receive comprehensive answers.

The case of Hadush Kebatu serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and criminal justice in the UK. As authorities work to address the fallout from this incident, it remains crucial to ensure the safety of communities and to restore public confidence in the system.