London , 27 October (H.S.): A convicted migrant sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, was recaptured in a north London park on Sunday following a 48-hour manhunt after he was mistakenly released from prison. Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed that Kebatu is slated for deportation this week and announced a full independent inquiry into the egregious error will be outlined in Parliament on Monday.
Kebatu was arrested in the Finsbury Park area at 8:30 AM on Sunday, October 26, 2025, after a member of the public recognized him and alerted the police. The manhunt began on Friday after Kebatu, who was due to be transferred to immigration detention for deportation, was incorrectly discharged from HMP Chelmsford.
Last month, Kebatu was found guilty of five offenses, including sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping while he was housed in an asylum hotel. He received a 12-month sentence, was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, and was issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
The victim's family expressed their stress and anxiety over the mistaken release, which they condemned as unbelievably irresponsible.The incident has highlighted significant systemic issues within the UK's prison system. A prison officer has been suspended, but a senior staff member told the BBC the error was likely due to staff being overworked and in short supply.
Official reports show that 262 prisoners were released in error between April 2024 and March 2025, more than double the 115 from the previous year.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated an investigation is underway to ensure such a mistake is not repeated.
The case has drawn sharp political commentary, with the Labour government blaming the previous Conservative administration for a collapsing system, while former Justice Secretary Alex Chalk called for more resources for the prison service.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
