Oct 24, 2025 11:51 PM
(This post was last modified: Oct 25, 2025 12:00 AM by C C.)
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wir...-126845767
INTRO: An asylum-seeker sentenced to 12 months in a British prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released Friday, prompting an urgent police search for a man whose case had prompted anti-migrant protests.
Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, the catalyst behind a wave of angry protests against migrants across the U.K. during the summer, was freed by mistake at the prison in Chelmsford ahead of his deportation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” at the “totally unacceptable” release of the 38-year-old sex offender.
[...] Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers’ Union, which represents prison officers, said Kebatu’s mistaken release is “a profound failure of duty” and a “betrayal of the victims, the community, and the principles of justice.”
Kebatu was found guilty last month of five offenses, including sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment.
Kebatu’s arrest and prosecution prompted thousands of people to protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, northeast of London, where he was staying along with other newly arrived migrants... (MORE - missing details)
INTRO: An asylum-seeker sentenced to 12 months in a British prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released Friday, prompting an urgent police search for a man whose case had prompted anti-migrant protests.
Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, the catalyst behind a wave of angry protests against migrants across the U.K. during the summer, was freed by mistake at the prison in Chelmsford ahead of his deportation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” at the “totally unacceptable” release of the 38-year-old sex offender.
[...] Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers’ Union, which represents prison officers, said Kebatu’s mistaken release is “a profound failure of duty” and a “betrayal of the victims, the community, and the principles of justice.”
Kebatu was found guilty last month of five offenses, including sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment.
Kebatu’s arrest and prosecution prompted thousands of people to protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, northeast of London, where he was staying along with other newly arrived migrants... (MORE - missing details)