Wanted Asylum Seeker Last Seen in CCTV Images After Prison Release Error

CCTV footage has been released showing a jailed asylum seeker who was mistakenly released from prison instead of being handed over for deportation.

The fugitive, identified as Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was accidentally freed from HMP Chelmsford on Friday, just one month into a 12-month sentence. He was supposed to be transferred to immigration authorities for deportation.

Police say the 33-year-old was first seen in Chelmsford, Essex, before travelling to Dalston, east London, where he was spotted carrying a “distinctive white bag decorated with pictures of avocados.” His last confirmed sighting was at the Dalston CLR James Library on Friday evening.

Kebatu was convicted in September for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex — offences that had sparked weeks of public protests over the summer while he was staying at The Bell Hotel.

The Metropolitan Police, leading the manhunt with Essex Police and the British Transport Police, have appealed directly to Kebatu to surrender. Commander James Conway said the fugitive had made “a number of journeys” across London and had “access to funds.”

Police confirmed he left Chelmsford station at 12:42pm and arrived at Stratford station around 1:12pm on Friday. He was last seen shortly before 8pm in Dalston, still wearing his grey prison-issued tracksuit.

Two CCTV images show him on the day of his release — one outside Chelmsford prison holding a clear plastic bag, and another later in Dalston carrying the avocado-patterned bag.

Commander Conway urged the public to report any sightings immediately by calling 999, adding:

“We want to locate you in a safe and controlled way. You had expressed a wish to return to Ethiopia — the best option now is to come forward.”

A lorry driver, identified as Sim, told Sky News he saw Kebatu looking “confused” outside Chelmsford Prison after his release. Sim said Kebatu repeatedly went back to the prison “four or five times” asking what to do, but was turned away each time and told, “You’ve been released, go.”

Kebatu later sought help in Chelmsford city centre before boarding a train to London.

Following the blunder, the Ministry of Justice has introduced new mandatory release procedures. Duty governors will now be required to carry out extra checks the night before any prisoner is released.

Justice Secretary David Lammy said he was “livid on behalf of the public” and has ordered a full investigation. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident “totally unacceptable,” saying the offender “must be caught and deported.”

A prison officer involved in the mistaken release has been suspended from duties pending the investigation.