Epping Sex Offender Mistakenly Released, Last Seen in London

Epping sex offender Hadush Kebatu mistakenly freed from prison. Police intensify search in London as politicians demand accountability and justice.

Police Hunt for Released Sex Offender

Authorities are in a race against time to find Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian migrant who was wrongfully released from HMP Chelmsford. The 38-year-old had sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex, while living in an asylum hotel.

Investigators confirmed that he boarded a train to London shortly after his release. Since then, officers have been reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses to trace his route through the city.

How the Mistake Happened

Officials admitted that Kebatu’s release was an administrative error. He was supposed to be moved to an immigration detention centre before deportation. However, within minutes of his release, prison staff realized the mistake.

At 12:57 PM, the Prison Service reported the error, only 16 minutes after Kebatu had taken the train. Police teams immediately launched a full-scale search across London and Essex.

Essex Police Respond Quickly

Essex Police said their officers are “working day and night” to capture him. Chief investigators assured the public that every available resource is being used. They also urged citizens to remain alert and report any sightings immediately.

Police leaders emphasized, “We understand the public’s concern and are doing everything possible to locate this individual quickly.”

Political Leaders React Strongly

Top political figures demanded accountability after the blunder.
Sir Keir Starmer described the situation as “totally unacceptable” and insisted Kebatu must be caught and deported immediately.

Neil Hudson, the MP for Epping Forest, said the people he represents feel “deeply distressed.” He argued that responsibility must lie with senior officials, including the Home Secretary and Justice Secretary.

Meanwhile, Marie Goldman, MP for Chelmsford, called for a public inquiry. She explained that if an error of this scale can occur at HMP Chelmsford, it could happen anywhere in the country.

Details of Kebatu’s Crimes

In September, Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court found Kebatu guilty of five sexual offences. His crimes included attempting to kiss a teenage girl twice and sexually assaulting a woman who had tried to help him.

The judge sentenced him to 12 months in prison, ordered him to register as a sex offender for 10 years, and placed him under a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Kebatu also expressed a desire to be deported, aligning with the UK Borders Act 2007, which requires deportation for foreign offenders jailed for over 12 months.

Experts Warn of Systemic Failures

Former prison governor John Podmore criticized the UK’s prison operations, saying this case reflects a broken system. He explained that prisoner transfers involve multiple checks, so “a single officer should not take all the blame.”

Recent government reports revealed a concerning rise in release errors. Between April 2024 and March 2025, 262 prisoners were released by mistake, more than double the 115 cases from the previous year. This trend, he argued, shows system-wide dysfunction in prison and probation management.

Government Promises Immediate Action

The Prison Service said it is cooperating closely with Essex Police to return Kebatu to custody. Officials promised to review internal procedures, strengthen record-keeping, and improve release authorization checks.

Government ministers also pledged to tighten oversight and restore public confidence in the justice system. Authorities are now urging anyone with information about Kebatu’s location to contact police without delay.

Conclusion: A Lesson for the UK’s Justice System

The mistaken release of a convicted sex offender has shaken public trust in the UK’s prison operations. It has also highlighted the urgent need for stronger safeguards, better communication, and greater accountability within the system.

Until Hadush Kebatu is captured, the case will continue to serve as a warning about operational failures and the risks they pose to community safety.