Convicted Offender Accidentally Released from Prison in UK

An Ethiopian asylum seeker, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who was convicted of assault on a 14-year-old girl and an adult woman, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on October 24th. Kebatu was intended to be transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation after completing his 12-month sentence, but an administrative error led to his release onto British streets. This incident has prompted a nationwide manhunt and calls for investigations into the UK’s immigration system.

Story Highlights

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian asylum seeker and convicted offender, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford in the UK.
The release occurred on October 24th, shortly after Kebatu completed his 12-month prison sentence.
He had been scheduled for deportation but was instead freed due to a reported administrative error.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the mistake occurred and to locate Kebatu.
The incident has sparked debate over the management of foreign offender deportations in the UK.

Administrative Error Leads to Release

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was released from HMP Chelmsford on October 24th, 2025, after completing a 12-month sentence related to criminal offenses committed in Epping, Essex. Prison officials were reportedly supposed to transfer him to an immigration detention center for deportation. However, due to an administrative error, he was released directly onto British streets.

UK accidentally freed a sex offender asylum seeker instead of deporting him. Explain this logic. https://t.co/97CGCkHnSn

— The Deport Report.com (@xdeportreporter) October 25, 2025

Prior Offenses and Illegal Entry

Kebatu arrived in the UK by small boat in July 2025 and was accommodated at The Bell Hotel in Epping. Within days of his arrival, he committed similar crimes against two victims, including a minor. Essex Police arrested him eight days after his entry into the country.

Political Reaction and Ongoing Manhunt

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the release as “totally unacceptable” and called for a full investigation. Justice Secretary David Lammy expressed strong disapproval, stating he was “livid on behalf of the public that this individual is at large tonight.” Local MP Marie Goldman has requested a public inquiry into the incident. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have also voiced criticism of Britain’s immigration policies, advocating for systemic reform.

Essex Police have initiated an urgent manhunt after Kebatu was reportedly seen boarding a train to London following his release. A prison officer has been suspended pending an investigation. The incident has raised concerns regarding coordination between the prison service and immigration authorities.

The release occurred amidst heightened tensions concerning asylum accommodation in Essex, where The Bell Hotel had been the site of local protests and anti-immigration demonstrations.

Watch the report: Manhunt for Epping hotel asylum seeker, jailed for assault, after accidental release