Prison blunder: convicted sex offender released in error and recaptured in London

A convicted sex offender released in error from prison has been found in London after a two-day police operation.

The Ethiopian national, 41-year-old Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, had been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl. He was arrested in the Finsbury Park area on Sunday morning following a public appeal and is now back in custody.

The Metropolitan Police Service said Kebatu’s release on Friday from HM Prison Chelmsford was the result of human error. He had been due to be transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation but was instead discharged.

Commander James Conway of the Metropolitan Police said the arrest was the result of “a diligent and fast-paced investigation” that involved Essex Police and the British Transport Police. “Information from the public led officers to Finsbury Park and, following a search, they located Mr Kebatu. He was detained by police and will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service,” he said.

Confusion at Chelmsford

A delivery driver who witnessed Kebatu outside the prison described him as “very confused” and said he repeatedly tried to return to the reception area before eventually leaving. He reportedly spent more than an hour asking where he should go after being handed a discharge grant of £76.

Essex Police confirmed that Kebatu boarded a train from Chelmsford shortly after midday on Friday and was later seen in Stratford, east London. The Met took over the investigation the following morning, reviewing CCTV footage and issuing a public appeal for sightings.

Serious questions for the Prison Service

Prison Service sources said Kebatu’s release followed a misclassification during a busy period. The officer responsible has been removed from duties pending an urgent investigation. A union representing prison staff described the incident as a “profound failure of duty” and called for systemic reforms.

“This is a betrayal of the victims, the community, and the principles of justice,” said Aaron Stowe, president of the Criminal Justice Workers Union. Mike Rolfe, the union’s general secretary, added that “the justice system is stretched to breaking point” and staff are being left to “pick up the pieces of political cowardice”.

Victims’ anger

The father of the teenage victim said the justice system had “let us down”. Kebatu, who arrived in the UK by small boat earlier this year, was found guilty of five offences in September, including sexual assault and attempted assault. He had served just 31 days of a 12-month sentence when he was released.

His case previously sparked protests outside the Bell hotel in Epping, where he had been housed. The demonstrations attracted far-right groups and led to clashes with police.

The Prison Service has launched a formal review of how the mistaken release occurred. Additional scrutiny of categorisation and discharge procedures is expected to follow.

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