An Ethiopian asylum seeker in Essex was mistakenly released from custody after being jailed for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.  Police continue a manhunt to locate the whereabouts of this man as he is now at large in London. Information gathered from officials suggests that the Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu was meant to be transferred from jail into an immigration detention centre ahead of his deportation on Friday; however, Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the suspect was at large.

The release of this man has been labelled ‘totally unacceptable’ as his crime had previously sparked outrage and communities staged demonstrations after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old dressed in a school uniform.  Kebantu is said to have been found guilty of touching and trying to kiss the 14-year-old schoolgirl. A woman who had tried to help Kebantu with his CV further leveraged sexual assault charges against him after he groped her thigh. The criminal at large is therefore guilty of 2 sexual assault charges.