The Hadush Kebatu prison release sparked widespread alarm after the convicted sex offender escaped from HMP Chelmsford due to a human error. Essex Police are actively tracking the 41-year-old Ethiopian national, who served a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl. Authorities urge anyone with information to call 999 immediately.
Kebatu should have been deported to an immigration detention centre, but the mistake allowed him to leave custody. Police confirmed that he boarded a train at Chelmsford railway station at 12:41 PM on Friday, and they have focused their search on London ever since.
Police Launch Coordinated Manhunt
Following the Hadush Kebatu prison release, Essex Police coordinated with the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police to track his movements. Officers reviewed hours of CCTV footage overnight and organized search teams across London.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTCgDjYwEz4
A spokesperson said: “We know he was last seen in the London area. Therefore, anyone who sees him, knows his location, or has information should call 999 immediately. Public safety remains our top priority.”
Human Error Behind Release
The prison service confirmed that a human error caused Kebatu’s early release. Authorities removed the responsible officer from duty and started an urgent investigation. Sources explained that Kebatu was incorrectly categorized as eligible for release on licence and received a £76 discharge grant.
One insider described the incident as a “disaster waiting to happen,” citing staff shortages and the high volume of prisoner releases. Consequently, the Hadush Kebatu prison release exposed systemic issues that the prison service now seeks to fix.
Public Outrage and Victim Reaction
The mistaken release triggered strong public outrage. Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers’ Union, called it “a profound failure of duty” and demanded immediate reforms. CJWU general secretary Mike Rolfe added that administrative errors are eroding public confidence in the justice system.
The mistaken release triggered strong public outrage. Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers’ Union, called it “a profound failure of duty” and demanded immediate reforms. CJWU general secretary Mike Rolfe added that administrative errors are eroding public confidence in the justice system.
Furthermore, the father of Kebatu’s teenage victim said: “The justice system has let us down.” Previously, protests erupted outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where Kebatu stayed after arriving in the UK on a small boat. Far-right activists exploited the situation, which led to assaults on police officers and 32 arrests.
Government Response
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed that he was “livid on behalf of the public” and launched an official investigation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the release as “totally unacceptable” and “appalling.” Government data shows that 262 prisoners were released in error in the year to March 2025, marking a 128% increase from the previous year.
Additionally, Conservative MP Neil Hudson emphasized that the highest government officials, including the justice secretary, home secretary, and prime minister, must take responsibility for such mistakes.
Conviction and Risk Assessment
Hadush Kebatu committed five offences, including attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl twice, sexually assaulting her, and sexually assaulting an adult woman. The district judge highlighted that Kebatu posed a “significant risk of reoffending.”
Due to this high-risk profile and the mistaken release, police and prison authorities acted swiftly, demonstrating the seriousness of the Hadush Kebatu prison release incident.
Public Appeal for Information
Authorities urge anyone who spots Kebatu or knows his whereabouts to call 999 immediately. Police continue working tirelessly to ensure public safety and return him to custody as quickly as possible.
