A convicted sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, who had been mistakenly released from prison and fled to London, was apprehended and taken into custody. Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national, had recently received a 12-month jail sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex. Despite being slated for deportation, he was erroneously freed from HMP Chelmsford, leading to a widespread search across the south east. Kebatu committed the crimes while residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
Today, Kebatu was arrested in the Finsbury Park area around 8:30 am by Scotland Yard. He was seen being escorted by plain-clothed police officers near a bus stop in north London, wearing a black puffa jacket and jeans. Following his arrest, Justice Secretary David Lammy stated that Kebatu would be deported promptly and praised the swift and thorough efforts of the Met, Essex, and British Transport Police in locating him. Lammy also announced immediate enhancements to release checks and a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed Kebatu’s impending deportation, emphasizing the importance of preventing such incidents from reoccurring. During Kebatu’s sentencing hearing, the judge highlighted his high risk of reoffending and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) prohibiting him from contacting females.
The Metropolitan Police took over the case from Essex Police after it was determined that Kebatu was likely in London. Following sightings of Kebatu in Stratford and Dalston, additional officers were deployed to assist in his capture. CCTV footage captured Kebatu inside a library in Dalston Square, wearing a prison-issue tracksuit and carrying a bag with avocado prints.
Metropolitan Police Commander James Conway commended the diligent and rapid investigation that led to Kebatu’s arrest in Finsbury Park. He expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance in locating Kebatu and stated that he would be returned to prison custody.
