Overview

Police across the United Kingdom have launched an urgent manhunt after an asylum-seeker convicted of sexual offences was mistakenly released from custody while he was due to be transferred for deportation. 0

Who the authorities are looking for

Authorities identified the man as Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national whom a court sentenced in September to 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He was seen boarding a London-bound train after being released from HMP Chelmsford. 1

What went wrong

The Prison Service called the release a “human error” that occurred while staff were transferring the man to an immigration detention centre for removal. An internal investigation has been launched and the officer involved has been removed from duty pending inquiries. 2

Police response and public safety advice

Essex Police and other regional forces are conducting searches and urging the public to remain vigilant. Police have urged people not to approach the individual if they see him and to call 999 in an emergency or report information to the local police non-emergency number. 3

Public reaction and wider implications

The mistaken release has provoked politicians to condemn it and renewed debate about how authorities manage high-risk offenders in the immigration and prison systems. Officials say the incident will prompt them to review procedures to prevent a repeat. 4

Key facts (at a glance)

• Subject: Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, Ethiopian national. 5
• Sentence: 12 months (convicted for sexual offences including assault of a minor). 6
• Location of mistaken release: HMP Chelmsford; last seen boarding a train to London. 7
• Action: National police manhunt; internal prison investigation underway. 8