Following his release, the Epping assailant attempted to re-enter prison but was instructed by guards to board a train instead, according to reports.
Hadush Kebatu, who recently served a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday. This led to a widespread search in the south east of England after the Metropolitan Police took charge of the investigation from Essex Police. Authorities urged the 41-year-old asylum seeker, who was facing deportation to Ethiopia, to surrender himself.
A delivery driver present at the scene described how Kebatu appeared “confused” as he questioned staff about his unexpected release outside the prison.
The driver, known as Sim, recounted that the convicted sex offender lingered outside the prison for approximately 90 minutes after being escorted out, and was directed towards Chelmsford station by guards who instructed him to “go”.
Speaking to Sky News, Sim stated, “He emerged from the airlock and repeatedly asked the officers, ‘Where am I going? What am I supposed to do? I’m lost and confused.’ He was aware of his impending deportation. He approached me and said, ‘I need your help.’ His English was quite proficient.”
Authorities revealed that Kebatu has access to financial resources and has taken several train journeys in London post-release. Some of the funds are believed to be cash returned to him along with his personal belongings upon leaving the prison.
A man matching Kebatu’s description was seen on Chelmsford High Street wearing a prison-issued grey tracksuit and carrying a clear plastic bag of belongings before reportedly boarding a train bound for London.
When Kebatu was sentenced for the assaults near the Bell Hotel in Essex, the judge emphasized his “significant risk of reoffending” and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) restricting his contact with females.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Kebatu’s release as “completely unacceptable” and called for his capture and deportation for the crimes committed.
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