The British government confirms the deportation of a man convicted of sexual assaults following a detention error.
The United Kingdom confirmed on Wednesday, October 29, the deportation of Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian migrant convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex. His premature release in error from Chelmsford prison last week sparked public outrage. After a manhunt lasting several days, he was found on Sunday and taken back into custody.
According to the Home Office, Kebatu was placed on a flight to Ethiopia on Tuesday night and arrived on Wednesday morning. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated: “This mistake should never have happened. I understand the public’s anger. I have pulled every lever to ensure his removal. Our streets are safer because of it.”
Justice Secretary David Lammy called Kebatu’s mistaken release “unacceptable” and announced an independent investigation to determine how it occurred.
Kebatu had crossed the Channel in a small boat on June 29, after traveling through Sudan, Libya, Italy, and France. He was staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping, a facility used to accommodate asylum seekers. The assaults occurred in early July, and his arrest led to anti-migrant protests outside the hotel.
He was found guilty of five charges and sentenced to 12 months in prison. His deportation is final, and he will not be allowed to return to the UK, according to the Home Office.