British police have launched a manhunt after an Ethiopian national convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released from prison on Friday.
Hadush Kebatu, who arrived in the United Kingdom (UK) on a small boat, was sentenced last month to 12 months in jail for the attack in Epping, Essex. He was due to be transferred from HMP Chelmsford to an immigration detention centre ahead of deportation but was released in error.
The Prison Service has launched an investigation into the mistake, and an officer has been suspended from duty while inquiries continue.
Essex Police said “fast-paced inquiries” revealed that Kebatu boarded a London-bound train shortly after his release.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Kebatu “must be caught and deported for his crimes”.
–ChannelAfrica–
