Mistaken Release: Epping Hotel Asylum Seeker Freed After Jail

An Ethiopian national, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, has been mistakenly released from custody after serving a portion of his 12-month sentence for sexual assault. Kebatu, 38, had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping and was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation following his conviction in September 2023.

The incident came to light after The Sun reported on Friday that Kebatu was freed due to an administrative error. In response, a police investigation has been initiated to locate him. According to a source within the government, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has expressed his outrage and has called for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the mistake.

During his sentencing, a judge emphasized the severity of Kebatu’s actions, stating that his behavior “really highlights the poor regard you must have for women.” The court heard that Kebatu had arrived in the UK on a small boat shortly before the incidents occurred. He approached two teenage girls, expressing a desire to “have a baby with each of them,” and attempted to kiss them. He also put his hand on one girl’s thigh and stroked her hair, leading to his conviction.

Kebatu’s case has sparked significant public response, with protests and counter-protests occurring in Epping and spreading to other locations housing asylum seekers across the country. The community’s concern over the safety of women and the treatment of asylum seekers has fueled the ongoing debate about immigration policies in the UK.

As authorities work to address this situation, the implications of Kebatu’s release raise questions regarding the management of individuals in the asylum system and the protocols in place to ensure public safety. The government is under pressure to clarify its procedures and prevent similar errors in the future, especially given the serious nature of Kebatu’s prior offenses.

Moving forward, the police are prioritizing the search for Kebatu, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds. The case continues to highlight the complexities surrounding asylum seekers and the potential risks they may pose to communities, as well as the need for effective oversight and management within the immigration system.