Hadush Kebatu, who was released by error from HMP Chelmsford on Friday, has been arrested.
Kebatu was arrested by Met officers in the Finsbury Park area of London at around 8:30am this morning.
Commander James Conway, who has overseen the operation to find Kebatu, said: “This has been a diligent and fast-paced investigation led by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, supported by 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, but will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service.
“I am extremely grateful to the public for their support following our appeal, which assisted in locating Mr Kebatu.”
The force said Kebatu will be returned to the custody of the prison service.
The Ethiopian national had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping and was jailed for 12 months in September for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
The 38-year-old, who arrived in the UK on a small boat days before the incidents in July, told two teenagers he wanted to “have a baby with each of them” and attempted to kiss them, before putting his hand on one of the girls’ thighs and stroking her hair, his trial was told.
Kebatu has been arrested in the Finsbury Park area
|
CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE/PAHe was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty.
The migrant was found guilty of five offences after a three-day trial at Chelmsford and Colchester magistrates’ courts in September.
The manhunt for Kebatu lasted 45 hours after he boarded a train at Chelmsford Railway Station, catching a train to Stratford, east London.
He was spotted on Friday in Chelmsford town centre asking for assistance before boarding the train.
WATCH – Police release CCTV footage of Kebatu after he was mistakenly released from prison
Kebatu was seen strolling around London the day after his mistaken release from prison and was caught on CCTV in Dalston, Hackney.
He appeared to be in the Dalston CLR James Library, carrying a “distinctive bag with avocados on it”.
Justice Secretary David Lammy previously said he was “appalled” at the release of Kebatu.
Mr Lammy ordered an urgent investigation, saying: “Kebatu must be deported for his crimes, not on our streets.”
WATCH – Epping hotel migrant Hadush Kebatu spotted speaking to locals after accidental prison release
Timeline of Hadush Kebatu’s release from prison
- Friday, October 24 – Kebatu is mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford wearing a prison-issued grey tracksuit, holding a clear plastic bag with his belongings. Footage shared with GB News showed Kebatu walking through Chelmsford High Street.
- 12:41pm – Kebatu boards a Greater Anglia London-bound train at Chelmsford station.
- 12:51pm – The train arrives at Shenfield station, in the Essex borough of Brentwood.
- 12:57pm – Essex Police are informed by the prison service that Kebatu has “accidentally” been released.
- 1:12pm – Kebatu gets off the train at Stratford, East London.
- 8pm – Kebatu is spotted in the Dalston area of Hackney, still wearing his prison-issue grey tracksuit, believed to be in the Dalston CLR James Library.
- Saturday, October 25, 12:37pm – The Met Police announced they are taking over the manhunt for Kebatu.
- 4:30pm – Met Police Commander James Conway makes a direct appeal to Kebatu, saying: “We want to locate you in a safe and controlled way. You had already indicated a desire to return to Ethiopia when speaking to immigration staff. The best outcome for you is to make contact directly with us by either calling 999 or reporting yourself to a police station.”
- Sunday October 26, 8:30am – After receiving information from the public, the Met located Kebatu in the Finsbury Park area, arresting him and taking him into custody.
- 9:20am – The Met Police inform the public that the sex offender has been caught, ending the manhunt.
