The father of a 14-year-old girl sexually assaulted by an Ethiopian asylum seeker said he felt betrayed after the offender was released from prison by mistake on Friday, prompting a manhunt now focused on London and criticism of Britain’s immigration and justice systems. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who had been housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, was jailed for 12 months in September for five counts of sexual assault, including groping the teenager and another woman shortly after arriving in the UK by small boat.
Speaking outside HMP Chelmsford hours after learning of the error, the father told Sky News: “The justice system has let us down.” He said he felt deflated at the prospect of Kebatu back on the streets and potentially vanishing. The family learned of the release through media reports, as police had not notified them directly.
A family friend told The Sun: “It’s appalling that the state didn’t even bother to tell the teenage girl and her family. They’ve been let down by every authority involved.”
The victim, who is recovering from the July assaults that led to protests outside asylum hotels, was described as devastated and scared.
Kebatu was categorised as eligible for release on licence during a routine discharge process at HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning. Instead of transfer to an immigration removal centre for deportation—a step the Home Office had prepared after his request to leave the UK—he received a £76 discharge grant and was allowed to leave.
CCTV showed him walking through Chelmsford before boarding a 12.41pm Greater Anglia train to London Liverpool Street, arriving at 1.18pm.
Essex Police launched an operation involving the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police. A force statement said: “We were informed by the prison service at 12.57pm of an error.
“Fast-paced enquiries have shown the man boarded a London-bound train… Officers are working urgently to locate and detain him.” As of Saturday, the manhunt continues in London, with Kebatu believed to be at large there.
Justice Secretary David Lammy has confirmed Kebatu was in London and ordered an investigation. A prison officer involved has been suspended. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident unacceptable and said: “This man must be caught and deported for his crimes.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described it as incompetence and demanded a public inquiry and an apology from Lammy and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Mr Philp told Sky News: “We need to know how this dangerous illegal immigrant, who is also a child sex offender, got released.”
Prison Service data shows 262 erroneous releases in England and Wales in the year to March 2025, up 128% from 115 the prior year.
Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers’ Union, called it a failure of duty. General Secretary Mike Rolfe blamed a stretched justice system and political decisions.
Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman urged an inquiry and questioned how one staff member could be solely responsible. She criticised communication from prison governor Mark Howard.
Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson said accountability should reach the Justice Secretary, Home Secretary, and Prime Minister.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “Britain is broken.” The case originated with Kebatu’s assaults days after crossing the Channel, and a judge at sentencing noted his poor regard for women and significant risk.
