Migrant sex offender mistakenly released from prison deported to Ethiopia
Hadush Kebatu has arrived in Ethiopia after being deported from the UK with no right to return, the Home Office has confirmed.
Last updated 29th Oct 2025
The Ethiopian national was wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre.
The migrant, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, when he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman, travelled to London and was arrested on Sunday morning after a two-day manhunt.
The Home Office said Kebatu was removed on a flight to Ethiopia on Tuesday night and arrived on Wednesday morning.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "Last week's blunder should never have happened - and I share the public's anger that it did. I would like to thank the police for rapidly bringing Mr Kebatu into custody and the public for their vigilance.
"I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported. Our streets are safer because of it.
"If you come to this country and commit crimes, we will remove you."