Police Search for Epping Hotel Migrant After Release Error
A police manhunt is underway to find the Epping hotel migrant sex attacker after he was accidentally released from jail, reports BritPanorama.
Hadush Kebatu was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre for deportation but was mistakenly freed, raising significant concerns regarding the handling of high-risk offenders.
A major operation is now under way to locate Kebatu, with law enforcement agencies scrambling to apprehend the individual deemed dangerous. Authorities have described the incident as a major miscalculation, with Justice Secretary David Lammy reportedly “furious” over the mistake and working closely with police to rectify the situation.
A senior justice source characterized the error as “the mother of all f**k ups,” attributing it to “human error” linked to incorrect paperwork. Kebatu was found guilty of attempting to sexually assault a schoolgirl in Epping on July 7 and 8 and had only been imprisoned for four weeks following his sentencing on September 23.
His arrest sparked nationwide protests, particularly outside The Bell Hotel where he had been staying as an asylum seeker from Ethiopia. The judge at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court commented on the distress caused to the victim, who was wearing a school uniform at the time of the incident, describing it as a “disgusting and sickening” experience.
The victim expressed fear for her safety, stating, “Every time I go out with my friends I am checking over my shoulder.” In the wake of the release error, Kebatu’s past has come under scrutiny, revealing he had been classified as an “escape risk” while imprisoned at HMP Chelmsford, where conditions allowed access to various amenities and training courses.
As a result of his release, police have intensified their search efforts, declaring a critical incident and mobilizing considerable resources to track Kebatu down before any further incidents occur.
His case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the management of dangerous offenders and the integration of asylum seekers into local communities, raising pertinent questions about safety and the efficacy of the current judicial system.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the justice system in ensuring public safety while navigating complex immigration processes and societal responses to crime.
The implications of this incident may prompt broader discussions on legal accountability and the treatment of vulnerable populations within the UK’s immigration framework.
