Hadush Kebatu, a convicted sex offender, is now back in Ethiopia, a removal secured after a chaotic series of events that ignited public outrage. His journey from a British prison to an international flight was anything but straightforward, marked by a stunning error and a desperate scramble to contain the fallout.
Kebatu was wrongly released from HMP Chelmsford, not transferred to immigration detention as planned. This critical mistake allowed him to vanish into London, triggering a nationwide manhunt. He had recently been found guilty of sexual assault, the crimes committed shortly after arriving in the UK via a small boat.
The search ended in Finsbury Park, where officers located and apprehended Kebatu. But securing his deportation proved unexpectedly complex. Faced with potential legal challenges and the costs of prolonged detention, authorities made a startling decision: a £500 payment was offered to ensure his cooperation with removal.
This payment, described as an operational choice, aimed to bypass a potentially lengthy and expensive process. It was a calculated risk to swiftly return a dangerous offender to his home country.
Eyewitness accounts revealed a disorienting scene at the prison prior to the initial release. A delivery driver described Kebatu as “confused,” repeatedly returning to reception as prison staff directed him towards a train to London. The circumstances surrounding his freedom sparked immediate questions about security protocols and oversight.
In response to the incident, sweeping changes were implemented within the prison system. New release procedures, spanning five pages of instructions, now require sign-off from more senior staff – a direct reaction to the failings that allowed Kebatu to walk free.
The Home Secretary affirmed that every possible measure was taken to expedite Kebatu’s deportation. “Our streets are safer because of it,” she stated, emphasizing a firm stance against crime committed by those entering the country. Kebatu arrived in Ethiopia on Wednesday morning, with no prospect of returning to Britain.
