Police have launched a manhunt after an asylum seeker who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released from prison.
Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, was jailed for 12 months over the attack in Epping, Essex, last month.
Prison sources said Kebatu was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre ahead of a planned deportation. An investigation has been launched by the Prison Service and an officer has been removed from discharging duties while it takes place.
Kebatu’s arrest sparked protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he had been living.
Kebatu sexually assaulted the teenager as well as a woman on 7 and 8 July.
In September, he was sentenced to 12 months and given a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which banned him from approaching or contacting any female.
He was also made to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We are urgently working with police to return an offender to custody following a release in error at HMP Chelmsford.
“Public protection is our top priority and we have launched an investigation into this incident.”
Justice Secretary David Lammy said he was “appalled at the release in error at HMP Chelmsford”.
Writing in a post on X, Lammy said: “We are urgently working with the police to track him down and I’ve ordered an urgent investigation.
“Kebatu must be deported for his crimes, not on our streets.”
Chelmsford’s Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman called for a rapid public inquiry into how the mistaken release, which was first reported by the Sun, happened.
“This is utterly unacceptable and has potentially put my constituents in danger,” she said. “I expect answers from the Prison Service.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “He is now walking the streets of Essex. Britain is broken.”
