UK - Chelmsford - Manhunt for convicted sex offender Hadush Kebatu released from HMP Chelmsford in error (24 Oct '25) *Re-arrested*

[nhmemorymaker]

“Migrant ‘tried to return to prison but guards turned him away”
Access Restricted

I could not open this article...
Is it clear that he really did go back to the prison.
Sounds more like a very confusing situation for Him... even though we are being led to find him quite evil.

 

[Dotta]

I could not open this article...
Is it clear that he really did go back to the prison.
Sounds more like a very confusing situation for Him... even though we are being led to find him quite evil.

Confusing not only for him

 

[tedtink]

I could not open this article...
Is it clear that he really did go back to the prison.
Sounds more like a very confusing situation for Him... even though we are being led to find him quite evil.

He’s a convicted sex offender who is at high risk of offending again according to the Judge who sentenced him.
So IMO he’s dangerous.

 

[Telltale]

I could not open this article...
Is it clear that he really did go back to the prison.
Sounds more like a very confusing situation for Him... even though we are being led to find him quite evil.

I linked a sky article below. <modsnip>

Won't be surprised if the prison guv resigns over this. Probably should. That's more than just one prison officer making a mistake or an error on the paperwork.

If this is accurate then I actually feel kinda bad for this dude. He's at the centre of another massive politically-driven reaction, (yes he was rightly convicted of a sex crime against a minor, both things can be true).

You can't really fault him for leaving. If he repeatedly went back in to tell them he was really confused because this wasn't the plan. But all he got told was 'IDK, you're free! Stations that way.' What else is he gonna do?

Wrongly-released migrant 'tried to return to prison 4 or 5 times', witness says
Sky News Article

The driver, called Sim, was delivering equipment to the prison on Friday when Kebatu was released in error instead of being handed over to immigration officials for deportation.

The lorry driver explained to Sky News that Kebatu approached him and seemed to have no idea of where he was supposed to go.


"He came out of the airlock, and kept saying to the officers there, 'Where am I going? What am I doing? I don't know where I'm going and what I'm doing.'

"He was holding a pack of paperwork in his arms, and his bag of bits…

"He knew he'd been deported. He came over to me and said, 'I need you to help me.'

"His English was pretty good."

Sim, who still has the vehicle pass from the prison, said that after a while a member of prison staff directed the offender to Chelmsford station to catch a train to London, and "told him that he had to get on a train".

He says Kebatu must have been outside the prison for roughly "an hour and a half" before finally leaving, adding, "They [the officers] were basically sending him away, saying, 'Go, you've been released, you go.'

Sim describes Kebatu as being "very confused," saying, "He kept scratching his head and saying, 'Where do I go, where do I go?'

"The fourth or fifth time [he went into the reception] he was starting to get upset, he was getting stressed. I'm not sticking up for the guy, but in my eyes, he was trying to do the right thing. He knew he was getting deported, but he didn't know where he was going or how he should get there."

He added that the officers had no interest in helping him, saying, 'You're released, you're released...(Linked in full above)

 

[Parker Knoll]

It’s the asking for directions bit that makes me assume he hasn’t got the latest iPhone.
On us obviously.

 

[Telltale]

He’s a convicted sex offender who is at high risk of offending again according to the Judge who sentenced him.
So IMO he’s dangerous.

Yeah I'm not gonna lie, I think that was the reason given to justify the year long custodial sentence so he could be quickly deported.

His level of offending was touching their knees and attempting to kiss them. Then inviting them back to his hotel after being told they were 14. Their age and the repeat offending over a few days was aggravating factors, but I've seen similar offending behaviour/history which was not judged high risk.
Article

Unless he has some seriously concerning pre-UK history that I'm not aware of. A first time conviction for similar offences/circumstances with his offender history, often doesn't result in any custodial time (that's not suspended.) Getting a year that he actually has to serve if not deported is objectively an outlier.

**I am not saying he was unduly punished or unfairly convicted. The judge was within the sentencing guidelines. I think all similar offending should get his kind of sentence. I am just pointing out that they typically do not.

Some example of sentences for similar (or I'd argue worse) offending.
Suspended sentence
Suspended sentence
Suspended sentence (and a cop)

 

[Skigh]

On-the-run sex attack migrant crosses London and 'has access to cash'

Sim saw Kebatu going in and out of the prison 'four or five times' and said Kebatu was 'very confused' and 'kept scratching his head and saying, 'Where do I go, where do I go?''

www.dailymail.co.uk

A delivery driver has said he witnessed prison staff giving the 'confused' sex offender migrant directions to the train station after he stood outside the jail for 90 minutes.

The driver, called Sim, said he witnessed the wrongly released sex attacker being repeatedly told to go to the train station and saying to staff 'I don't know what to do, I don't know where I'm going' and asking for help.

He told Sky News that Kebatu had been standing outside the prison for roughly 90 minutes, saying: 'They [the officers] were basically sending him away, saying, 'Go, you've been released, you go.'

Sim saw Kebatu going in and out of the prison 'four or five times' and said Kebatu was 'very confused' and 'kept scratching his head and saying, 'Where do I go, where do I go?''

'It wasn't like he disappeared and ran off', Sim said, explaining that the officers, who 'did not seem to have any interest', eventually told Kebatu where to go to get to the train station.

He added that the convicted asylum seeker had been holding a pack of paperwork in his arms and a clear bag of his belongings when he believed he was being deported - but had no clue where to go. His English, Sim said, had been 'pretty good'.

By the time Essex Police were told that Kebatu had been released by mistake, the sex offender was already on the train to London

 

[dotr]

Oct 24, 2025

U.K. police hunt for an imprisoned asylum-seeker who was released in error

An asylum-seeker sentenced to 12 months in a British prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released Friday.

torontosun.com

This undated photo provided by Essex Police on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 shows Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu. Photo by Essex Police /PA via AP

''LONDON — An asylum-seeker sentenced to 12 months in a British prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released Friday, prompting an urgent police search for a man whose case had prompted anti-migrant protests.''

Oct 24, 2025 #Crime #Epping #UK
A manhunt has been launched for an asylum seeker who was jailed for 12 months earlier this year after he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping.Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu had been staying at The Bell Hotel in the Essex town, with the incident fuelling weeks of protests at the site.Sky News understands that the Ethiopian national was being released from prison as he was due to be immediately deported.

 

[dotr]

rbbm.

The events that led to asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu’s accidental release

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was accidentally released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday

www.independent.co.uk

''An asylum seeker accidentally released from prison was last seen in the London area, police said, as officers urged anyone who spots him to call 999 immediately.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was jailed for 12 months in September for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

Kebatu was freed by mistake at HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre.''

''June 29: Kebatu arrives in the UK on a small boat having travelled through Sudan, Libya, Italy and France. He paid 2,500 euros (£2,155) to cross the Channel in a “rubber dinghy”.

''He is also seen asking for assistance in the town before catching a London-bound train.
October 25: Essex Police says officers are working with the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police as Kebatu is believed to be in the London area.

 

[LeahBee]

Thread 'UK - Chelmsford - Manhunt for convicted sex offender Hadush Kebatu released from HMP Chelmsford in error (24 Oct '25) *Re-arrested*'

Oct 24, 2025

• Sex offender who sparked asylum protests freed by mistake
• Mistakenly released prisoner boarded train for London, police say
• Prison Service officer removed from duties
• PM says he 'must be caught and deported'
• 'Furious' deputy PM and justice secretary says he's 'appalled'
• MP 'struggling' not to call for prison governor's resignation
  
  

  Kebatu manhunt latest: Epping hotel sex offender boarded London-bound train; Starmer says he 'must be caught'

  Police have launched a manhunt to find an asylum seeker jailed for sexually assaulting a teenage girl who has been accidentally freed. Officers in Essex say he boarded a train for London after the release error. Follow the latest below.

  news.sky.com

• bobbymkii
• Replies: 81
• Forum: Located Persons Discussion

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[dotr]

It might be best for his own safety to contact LE, imo, speculation.
1 hour ago

Met urges Epping migrant sex offender to hand himself

Hadush Kebatu has access to funds and sought help from the public, the Met Police says.

www.bbc.com

''In a direct appeal to Kebatu, Conway said: "We want to locate you in a safe and controlled way. You had already indicated a desire to return to Ethiopia when speaking to immigration staff."

"The best outcome for you is to make contact directly with us by either calling 999 or reporting yourself to a police station."
Kebatu left prison wearing a prison-issued grey tracksuit, holding a clear plastic bag containing his possessions, the Met said.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made against him, when he was sentenced in September, on the grounds the judge agreed he posed a risk of sexual harm to female adults and children.
Earlier, Essex Police - who handed the lead of investigation to the Met at 11:30 on Saturday morning - said: "It is not lost on us that this situation is concerning to people, and we are committed to locating and arresting him as quickly as possible."

Oct 25, 2025 #crime #police #prison
A manhunt has been launched for an accidentally released asylum seeker, Hadush Kebatu, who was jailed for 12 months earlier this year after he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping.At a press conference, Commander James Conway of the Met Police said Kebatu has "made a number of train journeys" across London since his release.Police believe Kebatu has access to funds and has sought assistance from members of the public.Commander James Conway urged anyone with information to come forward.

 

[martinwatts5]

Latest sighting appears to be Friday evening in Hackney area so likely he is not moving about now.

 

[iamshadow21]

I believe he's a dangerous person who shouldn't be free,

BUT

his actions since release all seem those of someone very lost and confused. It's entirely possible he doesn't even know that there is a manhunt for him if he's sleeping on the street.

MOO

 

[Skigh]

Sex attack migrant was last seen in north London on Friday night

Hadush Kebatu was spotted shortly before 8pm on Friday in the Dalston area of Hackney, east London, police said.

www.dailymail.co.uk

He has obtained a new bag.


New CCTV images show a sex-attack migrant who was accidentally released from prison at large in north-east London last night.

Hadush Kebatu, 41, was spotted shortly before 8pm in the Dalston area of Hackney - still wearing his prison-issue tracksuit top and bottoms.

He was also carrying his belongings in a distinctive white bag with avocados on it, police said.

A major manhunt has been launched to locate Kebatu - with the Met Police releasing new CCTV images on Saturday showing him first in Chelmsford, Essex, and later in Dalston.

It was previously reported that Kebatu boarded a train at Chelmsford railway station at 12.41pm on Friday, arriving into Stratford at 1.12pm.

Police said he has since taken 'a number of journeys' across London and has 'access to funds'.

Speaking to reporters, Justice Secretary David Lammy said he was 'livid' that Kebatu is still on the run - as he called for an overhaul of prison release rules.

 

[tedtink]

Sex attack migrant was last seen in north London on Friday night

Hadush Kebatu was spotted shortly before 8pm on Friday in the Dalston area of Hackney, east London, police said.

www.dailymail.co.uk

He has obtained a new bag.


New CCTV images show a sex-attack migrant who was accidentally released from prison at large in north-east London last night.

Hadush Kebatu, 41, was spotted shortly before 8pm in the Dalston area of Hackney - still wearing his prison-issue tracksuit top and bottoms.

He was also carrying his belongings in a distinctive white bag with avocados on it, police said.

A major manhunt has been launched to locate Kebatu - with the Met Police releasing new CCTV images on Saturday showing him first in Chelmsford, Essex, and later in Dalston.

It was previously reported that Kebatu boarded a train at Chelmsford railway station at 12.41pm on Friday, arriving into Stratford at 1.12pm.

Police said he has since taken 'a number of journeys' across London and has 'access to funds'.

Speaking to reporters, Justice Secretary David Lammy said he was 'livid' that Kebatu is still on the run - as he called for an overhaul of prison release rules.

"Access to funds"

I wonder if that's an ASPEN card and if Police are tracking payments?
They may have loaded some more money onto it in order to encourage him to spend.

IMO.

 

[dotr]

Oct 25, 2025
#manhunt #police #crime
Hadush Kebatu was last seen shortly before 8pm yesterday evening in the Dalston area of Hackney, the Met Police says.It adds that Kebatu was wearing his prison-issue grey tracksuit top and bottoms when spotted and was carrying his belongings "in a distinctive white bag with pictures of avocados on it".

Met urges Epping migrant sex offender to hand himself

Hadush Kebatu has access to funds and sought help from the public, the Met Police says.

www.bbc.com

Met urges Epping migrant sex offender to hand himself

Hadush Kebatu has access to funds and sought help from the public, the Met Police says.

www.bbc.com

''On Saturday evening, police released CCTV footage that showed Kebatu in a library in the Dalston area of Hackney, north London, at around 18:00 on Friday, still wearing his prison-issue grey tracksuit.
He was seen carrying his belongings in a distinctive white bag decorated with pictures of avocados.
Officers said Kebatu was sighted again shortly before 20:00 on Friday in the Dalston area.
Additional officers had been deployed to the area, the Met said.''

 

[Telltale]

Oct 25, 2025
#manhunt #police #crime
Hadush Kebatu was last seen shortly before 8pm yesterday evening in the Dalston area of Hackney, the Met Police says.It adds that Kebatu was wearing his prison-issue grey tracksuit top and bottoms when spotted and was carrying his belongings "in a distinctive white bag with pictures of avocados on it".

Met urges Epping migrant sex offender to hand himself

Hadush Kebatu has access to funds and sought help from the public, the Met Police says.

www.bbc.com

View attachment 621754

Met urges Epping migrant sex offender to hand himself

Hadush Kebatu has access to funds and sought help from the public, the Met Police says.

www.bbc.com

View attachment 621755
''On Saturday evening, police released CCTV footage that showed Kebatu in a library in the Dalston area of Hackney, north London, at around 18:00 on Friday, still wearing his prison-issue grey tracksuit.
He was seen carrying his belongings in a distinctive white bag decorated with pictures of avocados.
Officers said Kebatu was sighted again shortly before 20:00 on Friday in the Dalston area.
Additional officers had been deployed to the area, the Met said.''

He hasnt exactly gone to ground has he. Same clothes, wandering about in public. Talking to people, using public spaces. The fact he was just sitting in the library at 6pm, makes me think he doesn't know where to go or what to do. The library is a warm place to sit and has resources/computers he can access.


If he's not got a smartphone, few contacts in the UK (or no way of calling them) and/or has limited english literacy. Then it really don't seem that unlikely he doesn't yet realise what's going on it that anyone is looking for him

Without a TV/smartphone/radio or localised social media, or someone who can contact you, where would you happen across even big breaking news? How often do you actually look at the front page of a shops newspaper for example? Or pay attention to news clips in the wild?

 

[tedtink]

UPDATE: Hadush Kebatu has been arrested

Kebatu was arrested by Met officers in the Finsbury Park area of London at around 08:30hrs.

news.met.police.uk

UPDATE: Hadush Kebatu has been arrested​

Hadush Kebatu, who was released in error from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning, has been arrested.

Kebatu was arrested by Met officers in the Finsbury Park area of London at around 08:30hrs this morning (Sunday, 26 October).

Commander James Conway, who has overseen the operation to find Kebatu, said: “This has been a diligent and fast paced investigation led by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, supported by Essex Police and the British Transport Police.

“Information from the public led officers to Finsbury Park and following a search, they located Mr Kebatu. He was detained by police, but will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service.

“I am extremely grateful to the public for their support following our appeal, which assisted in locating Mr Kebatu.”

 

[Dotta]

Found in the park?

He was probably sleeping there.

"Under the stars."

(The bench was his bed
and the bag was his pillow)



JMO

 

[Kittypoo]

UPDATE: Hadush Kebatu has been arrested

Kebatu was arrested by Met officers in the Finsbury Park area of London at around 08:30hrs.

news.met.police.uk

UPDATE: Hadush Kebatu has been arrested​

Hadush Kebatu, who was released in error from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning, has been arrested.

Kebatu was arrested by Met officers in the Finsbury Park area of London at around 08:30hrs this morning (Sunday, 26 October).

Commander James Conway, who has overseen the operation to find Kebatu, said: “This has been a diligent and fast paced investigation led by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, supported by Essex Police and the British Transport Police.

“Information from the public led officers to Finsbury Park and following a search, they located Mr Kebatu. He was detained by police, but will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service.

“I am extremely grateful to the public for their support following our appeal, which assisted in locating Mr Kebatu.”

As someone said what about the eye watering cost of recapturing him? No doubt could have funded several prisons and staff for a long time.
Relieved however as a mother that he’s been rearrested one less to worry about
IMO