Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 41-year-old Ethiopian national, arrived in the UK by crossing the Channel in a small boat on 29 June 2024. Just eight days later, on 7 July 2024, he committed a sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl who was wearing her school uniform. The incident occurred while Kebatu was living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, a facility housing asylum seekers.

According to court proceedings at Chelmsford and Colchester Magistrates’ Courts, Kebatu made inappropriate comments to the teenage girl before attempting to kiss her. The following day, on 8 July 2024, he sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, placing his hand on her leg, and telling her she was pretty. The woman witnessed Kebatu being inappropriate towards the same 14-year-old girl and promptly called 999 to alert authorities.

Following a three-day trial in September 2024, Kebatu was found guilty of five sexual offences. During his sentencing hearing, it was revealed that he expressed a 'firm wish' to be deported. The court heard conflicting details about his age, with Kebatu stating through a translator that he was born in December 1986 (making him 38), while Essex Police records indicate a birthdate in December 1983 (making him 41). The offences sparked protests and counter-protests in Epping and outside asylum seeker hotels across the country.

After conviction, Kebatu was imprisoned at HMP Chelmsford. On Friday, 24 October 2025, he was erroneously released instead of being transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation. He travelled to London, prompting a two-day manhunt. Kebatu was arrested on Sunday morning, 26 October 2025, in Finsbury Park. The father of the teenage victim expressed hope for immediate deportation, stating he hopes the sex offender will be 'deported immediately'. Justice Secretary David Lammy assured that Kebatu would be questioned by police and deported within the week, with an independent inquiry announced into the release error.

Government figures from July 2025 reported 262 erroneous prisoner releases in the year to March 2025, a 128% increase from the previous year. Communities Secretary Steve Reed described the justice system as 'broken' and announced strengthened checks to prevent future incidents. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor noted potential staffing challenges due to Home Office visa changes affecting prison officers. Opposition figures, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, criticised the Labour government for the blunder, with calls for apologies and systemic reforms. A prison officer involved has been suspended pending investigation.