UK migrant sex offender mistakenly released, attempts multiple prison returns during police manhunt

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker jailed for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre. After his accidental release, Kebatu returned to the prison multiple times in a confused state, seeking to re-enter, but was turned away by staff and directed to a railway station, unable to figure out where to go. He then traveled across London, including to Stratford and Dalston, with access to funds, prompting a nationwide manhunt led by the Metropolitan Police. Witnesses and a delivery driver described Kebatu's distress and confusion during his attempts to return to prison, suggesting he was trying to comply with the system but was misdirected due to staff errors. The incident has sparked criticism of the prison service's handling, leading to the suspension of an officer and calls for accountability from political figures. Authorities continue to search for Kebatu while appealing for him to surrender, highlighting failures in managing foreign offenders and deportation processes.