Full Breakdown
Manhunt for Mistakenly Released Asylum-Seeker in the UK
10/25/2025, 8:02:00 PM
Overview of the Incident
British police are currently engaged in a manhunt for Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national who was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on October 25, 2025. Kebatu, 38, had been sentenced to 12 months in prison for multiple offenses, including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl and another woman in July. His release occurred just before he was to be transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation.
Circumstances of Release
Kebatu's release was attributed to a categorization error by prison officials, who mistakenly classified him as eligible for release rather than for deportation. Following his release, he was seen boarding a train to London, prompting an urgent search involving Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, and British Transport Police. The police confirmed that Kebatu was last spotted in the Stratford area of London after making several train journeys.
Official Responses
Justice Secretary David Lammy expressed his outrage, stating he was "appalled" and "livid on behalf of the public" regarding the incident. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the release as "totally unacceptable" and emphasized the need for Kebatu to be apprehended and deported. The Prison Service has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the error, and a prison officer has been removed from duty pending the outcome.
Public Reaction and Protests
Kebatu's case has previously sparked significant public unrest, leading to protests against migrants in various cities, particularly outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he was residing prior to his arrest. The protests have drawn both anti-migrant activists and counter-demonstrators from groups like Stand Up to Racism. The incident has reignited tensions surrounding unauthorized migration in the UK, particularly concerning the government's policy of housing asylum seekers in hotels.
Eyewitness Accounts
A delivery driver, Sim, who interacted with Kebatu shortly after his release, described him as "confused" and unsure of his next steps. Sim recounted that Kebatu returned to the prison reception multiple times, seeking guidance on where to go. He noted that prison staff directed Kebatu to the train station, further complicating the situation.
Criticism of the System
Critics have labeled the incident a "profound failure of duty" and a "betrayal of the victims." Calls for a public inquiry into the mishap have emerged, with local MP Marie Goldman demanding a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current immigration and prison systems in handling cases involving foreign nationals with criminal convictions.
What's Next
As the manhunt continues, police have appealed directly to Kebatu to surrender, emphasizing that he had previously indicated a desire to return to Ethiopia. The ongoing investigation into the error is expected to yield insights into systemic flaws within the prison and immigration processes in the UK.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We want to locate you in a safe and controlled way.” — Commander James Conway, Metropolitan Police
- “This man must be caught and deported for his crimes.” — Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- “Public protection is our top priority.” — Prison Service spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police have confirmed Kebatu's mistaken release and subsequent movements, details regarding his exact whereabouts and the timeline of events remain unclear. There are discrepancies in reports about his age, with some sources stating he is 38 and others indicating he is 41. Further investigation is needed to clarify these details.
