London (BN24) – British police have rearrested Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker and convicted sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison instead of being deported, following a three-day manhunt that reignited debate over the UK’s immigration and justice systems.
The 38-year-old was detained early Sunday in north London’s Finsbury Park area after what police described as a “diligent and fast-paced investigation.” Commander James Conway of the Metropolitan Police said public tips were instrumental in tracking Kebatu down. “Following a search, officers located Mr. Kebatu. He was detained by police and will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service,” Conway said in a statement.
Kebatu’s mistaken release from Chelmsford Prison on Friday triggered outrage across the country. He had been serving a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and another woman in Epping, northeast of London, in July. The attacks occurred shortly after his arrival in England by small boat. During his sentencing, the court heard that it was his “firm wish” to be deported to Ethiopia after completing his prison term.
British officials said Kebatu should have been transferred to an immigration detention center to await deportation but was mistakenly freed instead. Media reports suggested that Kebatu himself appeared confused by his release, with one eyewitness telling Sky News that he had even attempted to return to prison but was turned away.
Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed the arrest on Sunday, saying, “Kebatu has been arrested, is now in custody and will be deported.” He added that he had ordered “the immediate strengthening of release checks and a full investigation into what went wrong.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the error, calling it “completely unacceptable” and vowing to ensure “this doesn’t happen again.”
Kebatu’s case first drew national attention earlier this year when news of his offenses sparked a series of anti-migrant protests in Epping and other British cities. Demonstrators gathered outside the Bell Hotel—where Kebatu had been staying along with other asylum seekers—demanding stricter immigration controls. Some protests turned disorderly as far-right groups joined the rallies, while counterprotests organized by groups such as Stand Up to Racism called for calm and condemned xenophobia.
The rearrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of the UK’s immigration system, particularly the handling of asylum seekers and criminal deportations. The Ministry of Justice has launched an internal investigation to determine how the administrative failure occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Prime Minister Starmer said the episode underscored the need for “systemic reform” in how the prison and immigration systems communicate. “We will make sure nothing like this happens again,” he said.
